South Africa’s IPP Office has confirmed that it will issue a request for qualification in July ahead of a full tender launch in November for the country’s first independent transmission projects (ITPs).
🔌 What’s coming:
✓ 1,164 km of new 400 kV transmission lines across three provinces.✓ 2,630 MVA of transformers.✓Bidders must design, build, operate, and transfer the projects to NTCSA.✓ A credit guarantee mechanism is expected in 2026 to help bring in private capital without adding to public liabilities.📉 Challenges:
✓ Long waits for Eskom grid connection quotes (90–180 days).✓ Grid constraints slowing down new renewable projects.✓ Government processes under pressure to streamline timelines.📦 Status of SA’s IPP Program:
✓ 97 operational projects (~7,615 MW).✓ 14 projects under construction (1,525 MW)✓ 21 projects nearing financial close (3,168 MW).✓ Battery storage projects and OCGT plant extensions are also underway.🗣️ Discussion Prompt:
Will private led transmission finally speed up South Africa’s grid upgrades, or will bureaucratic delays hold back the rollout again? How might the new model change the energy investment landscape?