Minister Dion George welcomes yesterday’s transmission line announcement as a victory for sustainable energy vision

2 April 2025

Today, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, hailed the announcement made yesterday, 1 April 2025, by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, regarding private investment to construct 1,164 kilometers of new transmission lines under the Independent Transmission Programme (ITP). This significant step forward aligns seamlessly with the vision Minister George articulated earlier this week in his landmark decision on Eskom’s emissions framework, marking a triumph for South Africa’s sustainable energy future.

On Monday, 31 March 2025, Minister George underscored the urgent need for innovative infrastructure solutions to balance energy security with environmental responsibility, subtly pointing to the expansion of transmission capacity as a key enabler for renewable energy growth. Yesterday’s announcement by Minister Ramokgopa delivers on that vision, introducing private sector participation to overcome the transmission constraints that have limited the integration of solar and wind energy, particularly in the Cape provinces.

“Yesterday’s announcement is a resounding victory for the sustainable energy path we are forging,” said Minister George. “My decision on Eskom’s emissions earlier this week laid the groundwork for a modernised energy system that respects our climate commitments. Minister Ramokgopa’s bold move to unlock private investment in transmission lines is exactly what I alluded to – a practical, impactful step to harness our renewable potential and secure a cleaner future for all South Africans.”

Minister George commended the cross-governmental collaboration, noting that the R440 billion Transmission Development Plan, now supported by private funding, will ease the burden on Eskom and the national budget while accelerating the transition to renewable energy. He reaffirmed his dedication to partnering with Minister Ramokgopa to ensure that environmental standards remain integral to this transformative infrastructure expansion.

“This initiative is about more than just power lines – it’s about powering opportunity,” Minister George added. “With procurement regulations set to be released tomorrow, 3 April 2025, we are opening the door to investment, job creation, and South Africa’s emergence as a green economy leader.”

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