• Eskom restored Medupi Unit 4 early, adding 800 MW and helping end load-shedding
• Coal still dominates South Africa’s power, slowing the energy transition
• Eskom and industry are investing in renewables, but change remains gradual

South Africa’s public electricity provider, Eskom, brought Unit 4 of the Medupi coal-fired power plant back online Sunday, July 6, eight months ahead of schedule. The unit adds 800 megawatts (MW) to the national grid, highlighting coal's essential role in preventing blackouts in South Africa.

Last March, the Kusile power station also resumed operations. The two ultra-modern units now provide a combined 9,600 MW, and their return has had immediate effects. In early 2025, Eskom celebrated 300 consecutive days without load-shedding. The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) is increasing, spending on backup diesel is falling, and credit rating agencies are regaining confidence.

Despite these technical achievements, a key reality remains: coal dependency continues to prop up South Africa’s power system. Medupi and Kusile are extending a carbon-intensive model that is proving difficult to phase out. Without these plants, the national grid would be unstable, while their continued operation delays the country’s energy transition.

Eskom is aware of this challenge. To avoid being stuck in this situation, the company issued a call for tenders in April to create a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to renewable energy. It also has an immediate pipeline of 2 gigawatts (GW) in green energy projects set for implementation by 2026 and has built a portfolio exceeding 20 GW in clean energy projects.

Simultaneously, industrial players are accelerating their shift to renewables. Through wheeling, for instance, they are securing direct supply contracts for solar or wind power to reduce their reliance on coal. However, the path ahead remains long.

In 2023, coal accounted for 82 percent of South Africa’s power capacity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). In the short term, quick repairs and the reactivation of coal-fired plants are reassuring investors and consumers.

Abdoullah Diop