South Africa’s reliance on coal for electricity generation fell to its lowest recorded level in January 2025, according to new figures from the Ember Electricity Data Explorer.
Coal accounted for 74,31% of the energy mix in January – down from 85,65% in June 2024 and 80% in November last year.
The Ember Electricity Data Explorer is a global open-access platform that tracks electricity generation, emissions and capacity data. It includes estimates for behind-the-meter generation such as rooftop solar.
In January, solar energy contributed 11,28% to total electricity generation while wind made up 4,94%. Nuclear energy’s share also increased significantly from 3,54% in December 2024 to 6,55% in January – almost doubling month-on-month.
Welcoming the trend, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George said the figures reflect encouraging progress in efforts to diversify the energy mix. “In view of my decision to grant Eskom exemptions for their coal-fired stations, it is particularly important that we continue to see a decrease in emissions for which Eskom will be held accountable,” he said.
Earlier this week, George granted Eskom conditional exemptions from Minimum Emission Standards for eight of its coal-fired power stations but warned that the exemptions are temporary and subject to strict compliance conditions.
