State-owned utility Eskom has expressed support for the launch of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which it said aims to balance energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability and socioeconomic priorities in the country’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources.

The IRP 2025 sets out a framework for electricity supply intended to accelerate economic growth and inclusion, in a context where South Africa’s overall unemployment is 30% and youth unemployment exceeds 50%.

Eskom said it plans to conduct a thorough review of the IRP 2025 and publish a comprehensive response alongside an updated strategic plan.

“The IRP 2025 is not merely a policy update; it is a clear investment roadmap, informed by the input of over 4 000 interested parties at the public consultation stage. It signals to investors, regulators and our citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach net zero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry.

“The IRP 2025 requires significant investment to be attracted quickly, that will only come from rules-based regulatory reform anchored in law to enable investors to deploy capital in South Africa with confidence and certainty,” Eskom CEO Dan Marokane said on October 21.

He noted that Eskom had been preparing to accelerate its contribution to the IRP 2025 through the implementation of the company’s turnaround strategy.

“With loadshedding largely behind us, the country again has a continuous 24/7 electricity supply, commonly referred to as baseload capacity, that forms the backbone for renewable energy growth. Renewables are variable in nature and need reliable, continuous baseload to maintain grid stability and supply.

“Our return to profitably for the first time in eight years reflects long-term structural operational improvements and combined with our skilled workforce will lead to increasing investor confidence to deliver the IRP 2025 with partners,” he said.

Eskom reaffirmed its commitment to executing its Generation Recovery Plan, strengthening governance structures and mitigating financial and operational risks.

These efforts support the company’s broader objectives of ensuring long-term sustainability, securing energy supply and contributing to – rather than being a drain on – South Africa’s economy.