India and South Africa, an Energy Match

Media Release

4 March 2025

This piece as first published in Business Live on 4 March 2025

India and South Africa, an Energy Match Made in Heaven?

by Shri Mahesh Kumar, Consul General of India in Johannesburg and Shivank Goel, Indo-Africa Coverage at RMB

In the vibrant tapestry of global energy dynamics, a burgeoning partnership between India and South Africa stands out as a testament to how two nations can leverage their strengths for mutual benefit and global good.

At the heart of this alliance is a shared vision for energy security, sustainability, and innovation, promising to transform the energy landscapes of both countries.

The Consulate General of India in Johannesburg recently hosted the Matla Urja Energy Conference in partnership with Wits Business School (WBS). This event was pivotal, witnessing an agreement between South Africa's Eskom and India's giant public-sector enterprise, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), aimed at enhancing cooperation through knowledge exchange and joint research and development (R&D) endeavors.

India, with its surging economy and vast population, has been at the forefront of renewable energy, particularly solar, through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA). 

This leadership in solar energy not only showcases India's commitment to sustainable development but also sets the stage for collaboration with South Africa, which boasts one of the most suitable climates for solar and wind energy production on the African continent.

The key areas of interest for India in South Africa's energy sector are deeply rooted in non-conventional energy sources.

Specifically, solar energy which stands out. India, as a leader in solar energy initiatives, is keen to collaborate on expanding solar power projects in South Africa. This partnership could leverage India's expertise to not only increase capacity but also to innovate in solar power solutions tailored to South Africa's unique environmental conditions.

Wind energy presents another significant opportunity.

South Africa has considerable potential for wind energy, and Indian companies are eyeing investments and partnerships in this domain. The wind corridors in South Africa could benefit from India's experience in wind farm development, enhancing the efficiency and scale of projects, contributing to both countries' renewable energy goals.

Moreover, hydropower emerges as a promising area for collaboration.

As South Africa explores diversification in its energy mix, cooperation on hydropower projects and related technology sharing could provide sustainable solutions. India's advancements in hydroelectric power, including small-scale and run-of-the-river projects, could be pivotal in helping South Africa harness its water resources more effectively for clean energy production.

The potential for solar and wind energy collaboration isn't merely about increasing capacity; it's about sharing knowledge, technology, and best practices. India's experience in managing large-scale solar projects can help South Africa scale its renewable energy initiatives, potentially leading to South Africa's participation in the ISA. This partnership could expand not just within South Africa but across the African continent, promoting solar energy deployment and fostering a regional shift towards cleaner energy sources.

However, the story doesn't end with renewables.

South Africa's wealth of coal reserves plays into India's energy strategy, where coal is still a significant part of the energy mix. The collaboration could extend to clean coal technologies, where India's advancements could help South Africa improve its coal usage efficiency, reducing environmental impact while still meeting energy needs.

The narrative extends beyond natural resources to infrastructure.

India's strides in smart grid technology, energy storage solutions, and grid management could address South Africa's challenges with load-shedding and power outages. By sharing these technologies, not only can energy supply become more stable and efficient, but both nations can also prepare their grids for a higher integration of renewable energy.

In this partnership, policy and regulation play pivotal roles. Both countries have committed to the Paris Agreement, and aligning their energy policies could create a more conducive environment for investments in clean energy. This could involve public-private partnerships (PPPs) and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring energy security. Such collaboration could lead to a synergy in policy-making, where both learn from each other's experiences in managing energy transitions amidst economic growth.

The human factor is integral to this narrative. India's well-established institutions like the National Power Training Institutes (NPTI) could collaborate with South African counterparts to skill the workforce of the future, focusing on renewable energy technologies, grid management, and energy efficiency. This exchange of knowledge and skills could empower a new generation, ready to tackle the challenges of a changing energy landscape. 

India stands ready to share this expertise with South Africa, helping establish a South African Power Training Institute to develop a workforce.

Looking forward, the future of India-South Africa energy relations over the next decade seems poised for significant evolution. From a transactional trade relationship, it could grow into a strategic partnership with a focus on research and development, innovation in energy technologies, and setting a global example for South-South cooperation in sustainable development. 

This narrative of collaboration transcends the immediate benefits of energy trade. It's about envisioning a future where energy security and sustainability are not at odds but are achieved in concert. The partnership could influence global energy dialogues, showing how emerging economies can lead in sustainable practices, contribute to climate goals, and ensure energy access for all.

Ends

Moreover, this partnership could extend into areas like technology transfer for energy efficiency, joint ventures in green hydrogen production, and shared initiatives in combating climate change. This approach not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions both nations as leaders in the global push towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

ENDS