Renewables set to be the big winner

摘要

Although coal will remain 'king' in fueling South Africa's growing electricity demand, renewable energy resources, particularly wind and solar, are expected to enjoy the biggest growth to 2020. The Republic of South Africa remains the largest economy on the African continent, and its economy has seen an impressive pace of growth over the last five to six years. Its GDP stood at $247 billion in 2005, rising to $422 billion last year, and is forecast to reach $535.6 billion in 2020. In 2005, South Africa's total population stood at 46.9 million and rose to 50.6 million in 2011. It is expected to increase further to close to 54 million in 2016. Thus, with its growing economy and population, coupled with its rapid industrialisation, there will be an upward pressure on consumption, which will require the government to increase electricity supply in the coming years.