Challenges and Solutions for Renewable Electricity Integration in South Africa's Power System

Abstract

This study explored the challenges and solutions for integrating renewable electricity into South Africa’s power system focusing on balancing decarbonisation objectives with grid reliability while ensuring equitable access. Employing a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews of 11 energy sector stakeholders, the study examined three key research questions: an effective combination of utility-scale renewable technologies; the integration of decentralised systems with grid modernisation and policy frameworks needed for a just transition in coal-dependent communities. The findings revealed that successful renewable integration requires strategic geographic deployment of complementary technologies with solar resources concentrated in the Northern Cape and wind potential along coastal regions. Significant infrastructure constraints necessitate substantial transmission development to connect resource-rich areas with demand centres. For rural and peri-urban regions, decentralised systems prove effective when implemented with community participation while grid modernisation must be carefully sequenced to prevent system instability. In coal-dependent communities, particularly Mpumalanga, effective transition requires multidimensional approaches addressing economic security, skills development and community ownership. The study contributes to knowledge by identifying implementation gaps between theoretical resource potential and practical deployment, emphasising the importance of governance models in decentralised systems and highlighting the critical sequencing of just transition interventions. Recommendations include region-specific renewable deployment, streamlined regulatory processes, community engagement frameworks and carefully sequenced economic support for coal- dependent regions. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners and communities navigating South Africa's complex energy transition landscape.