South Africa

South Africa generated 17% of its electricity from clean sources, below the global average of 39%.

In 2023, South Africa relied on fossil fuels for 83% of its electricity generation. Its emissions per capita are 1.5 times the global average, while its coal emissions per capita are the highest in the G20.

South Africa is by far Africa’s largest generator of coal-fired electricity, responsible for 83% of Africa’s coal generation in 2023. Wind and solar produced 12% of electricity in 2023, up from just 2% in 2015. This is below the global average (13%), but above Africa’s average (6%).

Power sector emissions have seemingly declined since 2007. However, the ongoing energy crisis is suppressing demand growth and South Africa risks seeing emissions rebound if future demand growth is met by coal instead of clean sources.

South Africa aims for 33% renewable electricity by 2030, while the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.