Sanisha Packirisamy, Chief Economist at Momentum Investments
South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, gazetted on 24 October, outlines a R2.23 trillion state-led investment to transform the country’s electricity sector and end power shortages. The plan aims to add over 105,000 MW of new generation capacity by 2039, moving away from a traditional reliance on coal towards a diversified mix. This includes substantial allocations for onshore wind, utility-scale and rooftop solar, battery storage, and significant additions of gas-to-power and new nuclear capacity. Despite criticism regarding the cost and specific technology choices, government maintains that the plan will stimulate economic growth and pave the way towards a cleaner, more secure energy future. In the latest edition of Economies at a glance for October 2025, our infographic details the timeline of previous IRPs, the current and proposed local energy mix, pros and cons of the latest IRP and it investigates the case for nuclear based on global trends and local constraints.
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