Ekurhuleni authorized to procure 2,400MW from independent power producers

The City of Ekurhuleni has received authorization to procure 2,400MW of new generation capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This follows a Ministerial Determination under Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act, as announced by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.

The proposed energy mix includes 1,237MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power, 780MW of natural gas (including 535MW wheeled), 183MW from waste-to-energy, and 200MW for innovative energy technologies.

Minister Ramokgopa noted that the scale of this procurement is significantly larger than similar efforts by the cities of eThekwini (400MW) and Cape Town (220MW). The initiative aims to increase energy security and reduce the municipality's total dependence on the national utility, Eskom, while providing affordable and reliable electricity to support economic growth.