Cape Town – Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that the government will seek private investment to develop transmission infrastructure through the Independent Transmission Programme (ITP).
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, Ramokgopa said that the initiative aims to construct 1,164 km of new transmission lines to support renewable energy projects.
He said that due to Eskom and the government’s financial constraints, private sector involvement is necessary to modernise and expand the transmission network by 14,000 km, an investment requiring R440 billion.
A ministerial determination has been issued to facilitate private sector participation, particularly in the Cape provinces, where solar and wind energy potential remains underutilised due to transmission limitations.
Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announces Independent Transmission Programme#SaveEnergyZA#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/jb6UMWBfDj
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 1, 2025
“Our renewable energy assets are not fully exploited as a result of the constraints on the transmission side. The Eskom balance sheet and the sovereign balance sheet is not sufficient to carry the kind of investments that are required in this space.
“In terms of the transmission development plan…we will need modernise and expand transmission by about 14 000km and for us to be able to do this, we need about R440 billion. The State is not in a position to provide that kind of support. So, today we are introducing the independent transmission programme,” Ramokgopa said.
The National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) will oversee procurement, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with the country’s energy policies.
The pilot programme is expected to add at least 3,222 MW of energy to the grid, addressing structural electricity constraints and attracting further private investment to boost economic growth.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
