Discover how South Africa’s green economy is moving from promises to action—with bold plans like SAREM unlocking renewables, skills, and jobs. Explore the challenges, hopes, and human stories behind the energy shift.
A Spark in the Dark: Where Green Economy Begins
South Africa's green economy strategy is no longer theory—it’s activating. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), under Minister Dion George, is cutting red tape and rolling out jobs-focused renewable projects, energy efficiency drives, and circular-economy initiatives to stoke economic momentum.(Government of South Africa, ESI Africa)
SAREM: The Engine of Renewable Industrialisation
At the heart of the shift is SAREM (South African Renewable Energy Masterplan):
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Cabinet approved SAREM in March 2025, signaling serious intent.(Energy in Africa, Norton Rose Fulbright, Afriwise, ESI Africa, Africa Energy Magazine)
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It officially launched mid-June 2025 at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit and Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, with a message of industrial drive, skills development, and inclusive transition.(Green Building Africa, DMRE, ESI Africa)
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SAREM calls for the “industrialisation of the renewable energy and battery storage value chain”, aiming to build local manufacturing, support emerging suppliers, and spur technological innovation.(DMRE, Norton Rose Fulbright)
Growing Renewables, Shrinking Coal
The energy mix is quietly—but steadily—changing:
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In January 2025, coal’s share fell to 74.3%, down from ~84% in 2022. Solar contributed 11.3% and wind 4.9%, totaling 16.2%.(Government of South Africa, Green Building Africa)
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In 2024, low-carbon sources (solar, wind, bioenergy, hydro, nuclear) made up 17% of electricity—still below the global average (~41%), but a clear trend.(Ember, Ideas.Energy - The Future of Energy, Wikipedia)
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The drive is now toward a 3–5 GW increase in renewables annually under SAREM—enough to power millions of homes.(Energy in Africa, ESI Africa)
Jobs, Skills, and Local Industry — the Human Angle
SAREM isn't just about megawatts and policies—it’s about people:
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Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré says SAREM is a shift from planning to delivery, with jobs, skills, and industrial inclusion at its core.(ESI Africa)
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DFFE portrays this as a chance for South Africa to lead in green economy sectors: forestry-based carbon markets, renewable energy, and fisheries—especially in rural and coastal communities.(Government of South Africa, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment)
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The Green Fund, managed by DBSA, has flagged 59 biodiversity-linked projects, triggering at least $450,000 in green finance so far.(SAnews)
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This builds on a decade of collaboration with the UN’s PAGE (Partnership for Action on Green Economy)—reaffirmed last October—anchoring SA’s long-term green vision.(un-page.org)
Hurdles on the Road Ahead
Don’t be fooled—this isn’t a fairy tale. There are real struggles:
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Communities like Komati, tied to coal legacy, feel left behind. Though solar plants and battery storage are underway, locals worry about job losses and slow benefit realisation.(The Guardian)
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Despite renewable commitments, power cuts and energy insecurity remain pressing—three coal plants that were meant to close by 2027 will stay open to 2030.(Africa.com)
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Eskom’s financial and operational challenges still loom. Its growth and unbundling strategies are part promise, part trepidation.(Financial Times)
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Meanwhile, to assure energy stability, a new 4,000 MW nuclear plant at Duynefontein has been given environmental clearance—controversial to some, but seen as necessary by others.(Reuters)
Big Picture: Infrastructure + Investment + Transition
This green push is part of a broader economic reboot:
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The World Bank approved a $1.5 billion loan for infrastructure and low-carbon transition, focusing on rail, ports, and energy.(AP News)
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President Ramaphosa is framing South Africa as a green economy leader ahead of G20 2025, combining environmental stewardship and economic justice.(dnaeconomics.com)
Related Reads You Might Enjoy
“Read also…South Africa’s Climate Turning Point: The Law That Could Change Everything” )
Final Notes: From Promise to Practice
South Africa’s green economy isn’t future-gazing—it’s kickstarting. But success rests on execution:
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Will renewables scale fast enough—and inclusively?
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Can local communities and industries be empowered, not sidelined?
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Will infrastructure upgrades translate to real access, jobs, and equity?
What do you think? Is SAREM the engine we need, or just a speed bump? Let us know in the comments—What are your thoughts? Share in the comments.
Additional Sources
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Government’s SAREM plan and launch details ([turn0search3], [turn0search6], [turn0search0])
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Electricity mix and coal decline stats ([turn0search20], [turn0search2], [turn0search27])
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Economic, community, and investment context ([turn0news37], [turn0news38], [turn0news36], [turn0search25])
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DFFE green economy and regulatory support details ([turn0search4], [turn0search19], [turn0search34])
Tags (for Blogger)
Green Economy, South Africa, SAREM, Renewable Energy, Just Transition, Infrastructure, Jobs, Energy Mix, Green Investment
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