South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has announced ambitious plans to transition away from coal as its primary energy source, targeting a clean energy transformation by the year 2040. The utility outlined its latest energy transition strategy on Wednesday in a presentation to South African lawmakers.
According to the company’s roadmap, Eskom plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 32 gigawatts (GW) by 2040, a dramatic rise from its current capacity of less than 1 GW. At the same time, the utility aims to reduce its coal-fired power capacity from 39 GW to 18 GW, reflecting a significant step toward decarbonizing its generation fleet.
This transition marks a turning point in South Africa’s energy narrative, which currently relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. Eskom, responsible for about 95 percent of the country’s electricity, has long been associated with a coal-dominant system that contributes significantly to national emissions. 
The utility’s shift toward renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro reflects global pressure on carbon-intensive economies to cut emissions and invest in sustainable power alternatives. Eskom’s commitment aligns with South Africa’s broader climate goals under the Just Energy Transition framework and the Paris Agreement.
Energy analysts have welcomed the long-term vision but are calling for clearer short-term milestones and implementation strategies. “Setting a 2040 target is commendable, but we need to see progress on five-year intervals to ensure accountability and sustained investment,” said Thabo Nkosi, an energy policy researcher in Johannesburg.
Eskom’s announcement comes at a time when many African nations are grappling with the balance between industrial development and environmental sustainability. By embracing renewable energy, South Africa has the opportunity to lead the continent in building a more resilient and eco-friendly power sector.
