GREEN ECoNomY
Investment in the Western Cape makes business sense
Resource resilience is a necessary condition for business competitiveness, investor confidence, investment, economic growth, job preservation and job creation. In addition, growing the green economy sector( i. e. those businesses that provide green technologies, products and services) enables local manufacturing and job creation opportunities.
The 2025 green economy market intelligence reports( MIRs) identify key investment opportunities in renewable energy and water in the Western Cape.
The 2025 reports, published by GreenCape in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, cover key sector developments, achievements, players, legislation, market opportunities and challenges, and information about funding opportunities.
Download the MIRs free at: www. greencape. co. za / market-intelligence /
A green economy in the Western Cape goes beyond reducing carbon emissions; it is a resource-efficient, socially inclusive economy that creates decent jobs and sustainable infrastructure solutions for current and future generations.
Summary of 2025 green economy investment opportunities:
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Embedded solar PV for agricultural, commercial, and industrial users: The embedded solar PV market for commercial, industrial, and agricultural users in the Western Cape, currently valued at R6 billion with 440 MW of installed capacity, is projected to grow to 1 500 MW( R20 billion) by 2030.
Large-scale renewable energy projects: With 465 MW of solar PV and 958 MW of wind power installed, the Western Cape’ s large-scale renewable energy market is valued at R21 billion, with an additional R18 billion in projects set to roll out over the next six years. Despite grid capacity constraints, the implementation of a 10 % maximum curtailment could unlock 2 680 MW of grid capacity for wind power, translating to R45 billion in potential investment.
Behind-the-meter Li-ion battery storage for commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications: The Behindthe-meter Li-ion battery storage market for commercial, industrial, and agricultural users in the Western Cape, currently valued at R750 million, is closely tied to the growth of embedded solar and expected to reach R2.3 billion by 2030.
WAtER
Localisation of manufacturing: South African metropolitan municipalities are investing in water, wastewater treatment( WWTW), sanitation, and storm water infrastructure, providing key opportunities for businesses in these areas. The combined metropolitan municipalities’ planned water and sanitation infrastructure spend over the medium term( 2024 / 2025- 2026 / 27) is approximately R54.6 billion, of which R22.4 billion is planned by the City of Cape Town.
Collectively, the other Western Cape local municipalities are planning to invest ~ R7.7 billion in water infrastructure over the same period. The components of the water value chain that present the biggest opportunities for localisation are mechanical hardware related to WWTWs and pumps. Opportunities for the plastic pipe market( HDPE pipes) will also be further unlocked within the next 10 years as municipalities are now in the position to replace their water distribution systems due to the current asbestos pipes reaching end-of-life.
Innovative financing models: There is an increase in project preparation support and available development finance linked to impact and sustainable development goals. These programmes include the Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Financial Facility( SIDAFF) and the Water Partnerships Office( WPO), both aiming to assist municipalities in building a pipeline of bankable projects.
GreenCape’ s support to businesses and investors: By working at the interface of businesses, investors, government, and academia, GreenCape’ s sector desks are in a unique position to collect, create, and disseminate free market intelligence on the green economy. To explore these investment opportunities further, visit their website.
For more information and support contact:
GreenCape: info @ greencape. co. za www. greencape. co. za
This publication / video / article was produced by GreenCape in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning( DEA & DP).