South Africa Prioritises Solar Energy Over Gas
Officials cite high global gas prices as a primary barrier to implementing gas-to-power generation across the nation.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Energy
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South African energy experts have identified solar as a more viable long-term electricity source than gas. High international prices for gas have rendered current gas-based proposals unfeasible for the national grid.
Why it matters
South African export industries must transition to green energy to maintain access to European markets. Furthermore, global conflicts have pushed gas prices to levels that make the fuel source impractical for domestic power expansion.
The domestic automotive sector currently draws 20% of its total energy from solar installations. While solar is preferred, the industry faces ongoing supply chain reliance on imports from China.
The players
Silas Zimu
He is an energy official who publicly stated that solar energy is a more feasible electricity generation option than gas for South Africa.
The details
Future energy projects will focus on solar and wind power paired with battery storage systems, alongside nuclear developments. Officials also aim to re-industrialise the region by building interconnectors to export energy to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Timeline
South Africa initiated its renewable energy roll-out in 2011.
The Solar & Storage 2026 Conference keynote session took place on 20 October 2026.
The Big Picture
South Africa's shift toward solar energy follows the strict sustainability requirements of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. This transition forces local exporters to adopt green power to ensure their goods remain competitive in European markets.
The reliance on solar with battery storage may influence future electricity pricing and grid stability for households and businesses. Residents should be aware that while solar is expanding, lithium battery systems used for storage carry inherent risks of explosion or fire.
The takeaway
South Africa is moving away from gas in favour of solar, wind, and nuclear energy to secure its economic future. While the transition is critical for international trade, it requires careful management of battery storage safety and solar panel supply chains.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest national power strategies in the South Africa Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Engineering News.
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