Wind Power becomes South Africa’s fastest-growing renewable energy source
By Larry Claasen
WIND power is the fastest-growing renewable energy source in South Africa, according to a research note published by Stats SA.
The statistics agency said that wind power had made “notable headway” as it was the fastest-growing source of renewable energy over a three-year period, increasing generation from 6 512 GWh in 2021 to 10 450 GWh in 2024. This has seen it eclipse solar power, which generated 7 140 GWh.
Stats SA said this represented annual growth of 17,1% and was only outpaced by diesel, which grew by 34,5% per annum over the same period.
From pilot projects to commercial powerhouse
The South African Wind Energy Association’s (SAWEA) Wind Energy Market Intelligence Report: South Africa 2025 spelt out why wind power was taking off in the country.
For one, the sector is maturing, which has created confidence in the market.
“The country has successfully transitioned from early demonstration projects to large-scale commercial deployment,” said the report.
This could be seen in South Africa’s wind energy sector growing from a modest pilot initiative in the early 2000s to become the leading wind energy market on the African continent, with over 3,8 GW of installed capacity across 40 operational wind farms.
Pipeline bulges as Cape winds draw investment
The rate of growth in wind power is showing no signs of slowing, as the 2025 South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS) said there were over 220 GW of renewable and hybrid projects in the pipeline. Of the 110 GW of hybrid projects in the pipeline, 75,8 GW has a wind component.
Most projects will still be clustered in the Cape region. This is because the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and parts of the Northern Cape possess world-class wind resources, with exceptional potential concentrated along the southern and western coastlines.
“According to the Global Wind Atlas, large areas of South Africa register average wind speeds exceeding 8,5 m/s at 100 metres, comparable to high-yield regions in the US and Europe,” said the report.
Reforms open the door for private off-takers
Electricity market reforms like the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (2024) and the establishment of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) are also expected to boost the wind power market.
The amendment to the act lays the groundwork for a more open, competitive electricity market, and the creation of SAWEM allows for multiple buyers and sellers to trade electricity, unlocking new opportunities for Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
These developments have already enabled IPPs to sell electricity directly to private companies. This could be seen in mining house Anglo American and energy group Sasol committing to buy 5,000 MW and 2,000 MW, respectively, by 2030.
The night-time edge over solar
Though South Africa’s solar renewable projects have long been seen as a key part of the country’s energy mix, wind has the advantage in that it can provide power at night.
This ability to produce green electricity at night is becoming part of the discussion on energy by many industrial businesses that require round-the-clock power.
“Wind energy is now a vital component of South Africa’s energy transition strategy, offering a low-cost, scalable solution to address both climate and energy security challenges,” said the report.
Offshore capacity offers the next frontier
The report also pointed to the vast potential of offshore wind power.
“Preliminary assessments estimate over 900 GW of technical offshore capacity and more than 2,300 TWh/year of generation potential in deeper waters.”
To this end, the government and industry stakeholders are actively exploring the policy, legal, and technical foundations required for offshore deployment.
Local manufacturing – tailwinds and headwinds
Though the sector is enjoying a tailwind, the report noted that “policy uncertainty and market challenges” were limiting the development of local manufacturing capabilities.
It said South Africa has attempted to boost local manufacturing for wind energy, particularly through the stringent local content requirements in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). However, issues like plant components and services required by wind farms remained a challenge.
Despite these issues, it said local manufacturers like GRI Towers South Africa, in Cape Town, and Nordex Energy, in Jeffreys Bay, showed that the country is capable of supporting the sector.
