Nersa reports a boost in energy generation as 111 facilities get registered

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has announced a significant advancement in the energy sector with the registration of 111 generation facilities during the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, which spans from April to June 2025.

This accomplishment brings with it a total capacity of 1 916 megawatts (MW) and an impressive estimated investment value of R51.91 billion.

This year’s performance indicates a marked improvement on the previous year’s figures, where 104 applications were processed in a longer average turnaround time of 15 working days.

The latest data shows that Nersa successfully completed the assessment of these generation facilities in just 11 working days, thus reaffirming its commitment to fostering rapid and efficient processing of energy infrastructure registration applications.

A notable trend has emerged in this quarter, with solar photovoltaic (PV) technology leading as the preferred choice among new installations. This reinforces South Africa's status as a country rich in solar resources, suitable for both small and large-scale energy generation initiatives.

In terms of geographical distribution, the top three provinces heralding the number of newly registered facilities are Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, recording 31, 24, and 14 installations, respectively.

However, the Western Cape takes the lead in installed capacity and investment costs, boasting an impressive 740.63 MW capacity backed by a financial commitment of R21.4bn. Close behind is the Northern Cape with 506.55 MW and an investment of R14.8bn, followed by the Free State with 301.53 MW and an investment of R6.4bn.

Since the inception of the registration regime in 2018, Nersa has registered a total of 2 056 generation facilities, cumulatively totalling 12 757 MW and attracting a staggering investment of R293bn.

Nomfundo Maseti, Nersa's regulator member responsible for electricity regulation, praised the team's efforts, highlighting the regulatory body’s commitment to a sustainable and robust energy infrastructure.

"The improving turnaround times demonstrate Nersa's continuous efforts to enhance efficiency and dedication, and to support the growth of the energysector in South Africa," Maseti said. 

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