This article was written by Danie Möller, the Chief EPC Officer at Mulilo Energy.
Infrastructure built decades ago, while innovative at the time, now demands re-engineering to meet the needs of a growing, environmentally conscious population.
Historically, power infrastructure focused on serving people, not the planet. Today, global climate goals must be pursued – but it cannot be done at the expense of grid reliability for South Africans.
The role of JET
The Just Energy Transition (JET) is South Africa’s policy framework to decarbonise the energy system while protecting livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth. Recent regulations under the Climate Change Act and stricter 2031–2035 NDC targets raise the stakes, requiring a balance between technology, grid stability, and compliance.
No single technology can do it all
Renewables are vital, but variable. We can’t rely on them alone, yet. That’s where Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) come in, helping to smooth fluctuations, stabilise voltages, and make renewables more dispatchable. The next step is grid-forming technology, which injects synthetic inertia to stabilise the network, something fossil-based plants traditionally provided.
Unlike grid-following technology, which disconnects during faults, grid-forming systems can help restore the grid after a collapse, making them essential for future resilience.
Transition fuels and redundancy
South Africa’s strategic location and platinum reserves make green hydrogen promising, though still early in development.
Natural gas, while not the end goal, can replace diesel in peaking plants. Nuclear and hydropower also play a role, but redundancy is key, when one-part strains, another can support. But there is one fundamental problem…
You can’t deliver clean energy on a weak grid
Many high-yield projects in the Northern Cape are stalled due to insufficient grid capacity. Other provinces face similar issues. While government has acknowledged the problem, solving it requires national-level transmission planning, not piecemeal upgrades.
Private sector momentum
IPPs like Mulilo are building substations. Mining companies are investing in renewables. Households are contributing via rooftop solar. Government is stepping up too – with initiatives like the NTSCA, SAREM, and Integrated Transmission Planning programme unlocking investment and strengthening the grid.
People must be central
Mulilo’s work near coal communities highlights the human side of transition. We’ve spoken to people who’ve built their lives around those industries and jobs. As such, phasing out fossil fuels isn’t just technical, it’s personal. Retraining, community investment, and inclusive procurement are essential to long-term success.
Lighting up the future
The road ahead is long, but progress is possible. With investment, collaboration, and grit, South Africa can build a clean, stable energy system for all.