Sustainable energy organisation the Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa Foundation (RES4Africa) unveiled its latest study - conducted with South African power utility Eskom and technical consulting and engineering company CESI - during a special edition of its virtual roundtable series titled Am-Powering Connexions.

The fourteenth Am-Powering Connexions session focused on the ‘Generation Connection Capacity Assessment 2025 Addendum’ that was published in January.

The addendum identifies 3 470 MW of wind generation to be immediately connected with no more than 10% curtailment, which the foundation describes as an important step in Eskom’s continuous work to reduce the impact of loadshedding on South Africa.

The first study titled ‘Integration of Non-Programmable Renewable Energy in the National Electric System of South Africa’ was published last year during another Am-Powering Connexions session.

This initial study identified key areas for the localisation of renewable energy sources generation projects based on natural resource availability, grid connection capacity and cost.

Meanwhile, the second study titled ‘Integration of Non-Programmable Renewable Energy in the National Electric System of South Africa: Phase 2’ – published in January – considers the updated Transmission Development Plan, battery energy storage systems and the use of curtailment for creation of connection capacity.

RES4Africa notes that this study contributed to the decisions taken by Eskom in its curtailment addendum, noting this as an important milestone in the foundation’s tangible work in South Africa and with key stakeholders in the country working together to mitigate the energy crisis.

During the session, CESI presented the methodology and main outcomes of the session of the Phase 2 study, followed by an open discussion between participants, in line with the Am-Powering Connexions model.

The series provided an opportunity to showcase the long-standing collaboration between Eskom Transmission, RES4Africa and CESI on renewable generation integration studies.

“As RES4Africa continues to foster collaborative efforts with industry leaders such as Eskom Transmission and CESI, our collective focus remains on driving sustainable solutions for South Africa's energy landscape.

“This latest study underscores our commitment to leveraging renewable resources efficiently and strategically, ultimately contributing to the nation's energy resilience and long-term sustainability goals,” says RES4Africa secretary general Roberto Vigotti.