South Africa’s ambitious 440 billion rand ($25 billion) transmission grid expansion has attracted major international interest from Adani Power, China Southern Power Grid, and EDF Power Solutions, among others. The initiative, launched under the Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) program, seeks private developers to build 14,000 kilometres of new power lines, connecting over 59 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity over the next 14 years.
According to Bloomberg, 17 companies and consortia have submitted bids, with evaluations set to conclude by November. The expansion is central to South Africa’s plan to stabilize its electricity supply, reduce reliance on coal, and support its renewable transition strategy.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed that the first phase will add 3,000 megawatts of new capacity, with government-backed credit guarantees expected by July 2026 to attract private investment.
