The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has called for the immediate implementation of the Integrated Resource Plan 2025 (IRP 2025), which it says recognises solar PV as a cornerstone of the energy transition.

While the final document is yet to be released, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa provided some details on October 19, including an indication that the plan envisaged 25 000 MW of new solar PV being installed by 2039.

In addition, the plan includes a 16 000 MW allocation for distributed generation by the same date, which will mostly take the form of behind-the-meter solar PV.

The IRP 2025 indicates that total installed capacity of renewables – in the form of wind and solar PV – will increase from about 12 000 MW currently to about 75 000 MW by 2039, representing more than half of the 105 000 MW of new generation to be added by that date.

For the period up to 2042, the plan indicates that about 5 000 MW of new renewables generation should be built yearly.

SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu said the plan reinforced what the market already recognised: “Renewables, led by solar PV, are the fastest, most affordable, and cleanest path to energy security.”

A focus on renewables, storage and grid infrastructure would, in SAPVIA’s view, deliver the highest return on investment, while also offering the fastest deployment, the widest socioeconomic benefits, and significant industrialisation potential if implemented in line with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan.

The Minister’s call for a “mega bid window” to scale the procurement of renewables was noted, but SAPVIA also appealed for the South African Wholesale Electricity Market to be speedily implemented to “accelerate the private off-take market”.

In addition, it called for grid-connection processes to be accelerated, as well as for investment incentives for renewables and energy storage and to support the growth in distributed generation.

“The IRP provides the blueprint; now we must act decisively,” Melamu said.

“By prioritising renewables, cutting red tape, and enabling the private off-take market, South Africa can stabilise its grid, reduce emissions, and attract long-term investment.”