During the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) registered 112 generation facilities, with a combined capacity of 1 327 MW at an estimated investment value of R28.22-billion.

Nersa processed the applications for the registration of the 112 generation facilities within an average of eight working days, reflecting an improvement from the 2024/25 financial year’s fourth quarter, during which 159 applications for registration were processed within an average of 12 working days.

The bulk of the 112 renewable-energy facilities are concentrated in the Western Cape, with 41, and Gauteng, with 27. The Western Cape accounts for the largest share of registered generation project capacity, with an installed capacity of 250 MW, followed by Gauteng with 15.4 MW of capacity.

During the fourth quarter, solar PV technology became the leading option for electricity generation, largely owing to South Africa’s abundant sunlight, which supports both small- and large-scale energy projects.

The Western Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo recorded the highest numbers of newly registered generation facilities. However, the top three provinces in terms of total installed capacity and investment cost are the Northern Cape, the Free State and the North West.

In the fourth quarter, the Northern Cape hosted a project with the highest investment cost, totalling about R13.45-billion and featuring an installed capacity of 490 MW.

Of the 112 registered facilities, 43 are connected to municipal distribution networks, with a total capacity of 20 MW and an investment cost of about R396-million. The remaining 69 are connected to State-owned power utility Eskom, with a total capacity of 1 307 MW and an investment cost of about R27.82-billion.

For the fourth quarter of 2025/26, the average investment cost is about R21 266/kW.

Since the inception of the registration regime in 2018, Nersa has registered 2 495 generation facilities, with a total capacity of 19 327 MW at a total investment cost of about R389-billion.

Nersa’s decision to approve 112 new generation facilities is expected to enhance South Africa’s generation capacity, ensuring continued uninterrupted supply of electricity.