ENERGY
BY SHINGAI SAMUDZI, CEO OF ASOBA
LOAD SHEDDING IS FADING AS INNOVATION, PRIVATE INVESTMENT, AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DRIVE A MORE STABLE AND SUSTAINABLE POWER FUTURE.
For the first time in over a decade, South Africans are experiencing nearly a year without load shedding. It is a milestone few thought possible and one that has reshaped public confidence and business planning. But a natural question follows: Is the stability here to stay?
The answer lies in how South Africa’ s energy landscape has transformed since the crisis years. Major commercial and industrial users no longer wait for government-led solutions; instead, they are investing in independent power models that reduce strain on the grid and enhance resilience at their sites.
Solar, battery storage, and hybrid systems have become standard features at mines, factories, logistics hubs, and shopping centres. What was once an emergency measure to keep the lights on has become a long-term energy strategy.
A significant development is the increasing adoption of Virtual Power Plants( VPPs). These systems utilise AI and data analytics to connect multiple small energy sites, such as hotels, warehouses, or farms, operating them collectively as a single large power station. When energy demand rises, the VPP can draw from stored power; during periods of excess solar generation, it can feed electricity back into the grid. This approach ensures grid stability without the need to construct new large-scale power plants.
Battery prices have also decreased, making storage more affordable for households and SMEs. In many regions, a complete rooftop solar and battery system now competes with traditional electricity costs. This change has quietly transformed thousands of users into“ producers” instead of just consumers.
South Africa’ s policy environment has promoted change. Opening the market to private generation, approving grid-feed regulations, and allowing self-generation projects above 100MW have encouraged investment from both local and international players.
These trends point to a more diverse and resilient energy mix. However, long-term stability depends on expanding transmission infrastructure, better integrating renewables, and ensuring municipalities can reliably distribute power. The grid was designed for coal, not decentralised solar and storage; that transition is still in progress.
At present, the country has transitioned from a crisis state to a more balanced system with diverse energy sources. The upcoming challenge is to sustain this progress. If South Africa continues to expand renewables, promote private sector participation, and upgrade the grid, a“ load shedding-free” future can shift from being an unlikely goal to a lasting reality. IB
38 INBOUND SA / December 2025