BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH SDG 7

South Africa represents a particularly important case for SDG 7 because it combines a highly coal-dependent electricity system with significant renewable-energy potential. Coal remains the backbone of the country’s power system, accounting for around 70% of installed generation capacity. At the same time, South Africa has considerable solar and wind resources and is pursuing a gradual diversification of its energy mix (International Energy Agency [IEA], n.d.). 

Access and affordability also remain important dimensions of SDG 7. South Africa has substantially expanded electricity access since the 1990s, but universal access has not yet been achieved, while electricity affordability remains a major concern for households. Consequently, the country must address energy access, affordability and decarbonisation simultaneously (World Bank, n.d.; IEA, n.d.). 

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

South Africa’s central challenge is achieving a just energy transition without undermining energy security, employment or economic development. Coal supports both electricity generation and employment in coal-dependent communities, making a rapid phase-out socially and economically difficult. The government therefore aims to expand clean energy while protecting workers and communities affected by the transition (South African Government, 2025a). 

Recent policies nevertheless envisage a major transformation of the electricity sector. The Integrated Resource Plan 2025 aims to increase renewable capacity from approximately 17 GW to more than 45 GW by 2030, while progressively reducing coal capacity and substantially expanding transmission infrastructure (IEA, 2026). South Africa is also developing green hydrogen and other clean-energy industries, making the country an important example of the relationship between SDG 7, industrial development and a socially inclusive energy transition (South African Government, 2025b).

LIST OF REFERENCES

International Energy Agency. (2026). Integrated Resource Plan (2025). Retrieved October 20, 2026, from  https://www.iea.org/policies/30445-integrated-resource-plan-2025

International Energy Agency. (n.d.). South Africa. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.iea.org/countries/south-africa

South African Government. (2025a, August 26). Deputy President Paul Mashatile launches Just Energy Transition Skills Desk, Advisory Forum and Multi-Donor Initiative. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/deputy-president-paul-mashatile-launches-just-energy

South African Government. (2026b, June 12). Trade, Industry and Competition on implementation of Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/trade-industry-and-competition-implementation-green-hydrogen

World Bank. (n.d.). South Africa [Data file]. World Development Indicators. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://databank.worldbank.org/reports.aspx?Id=1487aae&Report_Name=South-Africa