South Africa’s cabinet has approved new boards for state-owned power utility Eskom and the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) and adopted the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2025), the Presidency announced on October 17.

The IRP 2025, which replaces the 2019 edition, gives a revised outlook for the country’s power generation through 2050. Based on Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) modelling, total installed capacity is projected to reach about 95 GW by 2030.

Renewables are expected to supply just over 40% of electricity generation, coal under 45%, with nuclear and gas making up the remaining 15%. The plan incorporates updated demand forecasts, grid-stability measures, and decarbonisation targets under the Just Energy Transition (JET) framework.

Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said the plan aligns national policy with South Africa’s climate commitments while maintaining sufficient baseload capacity. Compared with the IRP 2019, it reduces the long-term share of coal generation and accelerates the integration of wind and solar capacity to enhance energy security and diversify supply sources.

Eskom’s reconstituted board will be tasked with accelerating the utility’s generation-recovery programme and addressing a maintenance backlog estimated at about 6,000 MW of unavailable capacity. The board will also oversee grid expansion and completion of delayed projects at Kusile and Medupi.

At Necsa, the new board will focus on governance and the safe operation of research and isotope-production facilities. Cabinet said the reshuffle aims to reinforce oversight in the nuclear sector and ensure alignment with the IRP 2025’s nuclear provisions.

Officials added that both boards will be expected to strengthen transparency and risk-management systems. The government plans to publish the IRP 2025 for public consultation and gazetting before the end of October, followed by a parliamentary briefing in November.