By: Jurg van Dyk - Partner, Finance and Projects at Pinsent Masons

The global energy, mining, and construction sectors stand on the cusp of transformation. As we step into 2025, the interplay of technological innovation, policy shifts, and sustainability goals is reshaping these industries. This evolution presents opportunities to address energy security, urbanisation, and resource sustainability but also raises significant challenges, such as decarbonisation and supply chain resilience.

South Africa, as a key player in the global economy, exemplifies the complex dynamics shaping these industries. Here, we explore global trends alongside South Africa’s unique contributions to this transformation.

Renewable Energy: Beyond Transition, Towards Transformation

Renewable energy has transitioned from being a supplementary energy source to the foundation of the global energy transition. Globally, 2025 will be marked by advancements in energy storage solutions and the possibility of scaling green hydrogen technologies. Next-generation batteries with enhanced capacity and faster charging capabilities are addressing the intermittency challenges of solar and wind energy, improving grid stability and enabling broader implementation.

For both South Africa and the world, achieving the full potential of renewable energy depends on supportive policies, streamlined regulations, and significant infrastructure investment. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate renewable projects. At the same time, lessons from global leaders in energy storage, such as Germany and Japan, offer valuable insights for South Africa’s own transition.  It is not only the government led REIPPP programme which is adding renewable energy to the grid, but also the booming private off-take market which has been making leaps and bounds towards employing renewable energy at utility scale levels.

Mining: Driving the Green Economy Through Critical Minerals

The mining sector is central to the renewable energy revolution, with critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements forming the backbone of technologies like batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels. The International Energy Agency projects an exponential rise in demand for these minerals, with global lithium demand expected to grow eightfold by 2040.

South Africa’s rich mineral reserves, including platinum, manganese, and vanadium, position it as a strategic player in the green economy. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as AI-driven exploration and automation, is transforming the sector by enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Globally, predictive analytics is helping miners optimise operations, a trend that South African firms like Anglo American and Exxaro are increasingly adopting.

Sustainability is no longer optional in mining, as stakeholders demand accountability for environmental and social impacts. The push for net-zero operations is leading to innovations like Anglo American’s hydrogen-powered mining trucks. Meanwhile, global geopolitics marked by the race to secure critical mineral supply chains highlight the need for South Africa to bolster its infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to remain competitive.

The Just Energy Transition (JET) provides South Africa with a unique opportunity to lead by example. By leveraging its mineral wealth while supporting coal-dependent regions like Mpumalanga in transitioning to renewables, the country can balance economic growth with climate commitments.

Construction: Innovating for Resilience and Sustainability

The construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by urbanisation, climate change, and a focus on sustainability. Globally, modular and prefabricated construction techniques are revolutionising the sector by reducing timelines, costs, and waste. These methods are particularly relevant in rapidly urbanising regions like Asia and Africa, where demand for affordable housing is rising.

In South Africa, urbanisation challenges are mirrored by a need for innovative infrastructure solutions. Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are grappling with housing shortages and ageing infrastructure, creating opportunities for public-private collaboration. 

Green building materials are also gaining prominence. From recycled steel to carbon-neutral concrete, these materials are helping reduce the carbon footprint of construction activities. South Africa’s role in this trend is highlighted by its adoption of sustainable building codes, with flagship projects integrating renewable energy and energy-efficient designs to ensure resilience against power disruptions.

However, the global construction sector continues to face challenges, including rising material costs and supply chain disruptions. In South Africa, these issues are compounded by load-shedding and economic constraints, requiring greater collaboration among stakeholders and innovative procurement practices to sustain growth.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The convergence of renewable energy, mining, and construction offers a unique opportunity to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to economic inequality. For South Africa, this convergence is particularly significant. 

Globally, the choices made today, whether in adopting green technologies, reforming regulatory landscapes, or building collaboration, will determine the legacy of these industries for generations to come. For South Africa and the world, the path forward is clear: embrace innovation, invest in sustainability, and work together to build a future that is equitable and resilient.