New energy projects resolving South Africa's power woes

Bilateral cooperation with Chinese companies on renewables paying off

The ever-deepening energy cooperation between China and South Africa, especially in fields of renewable energy, will become a new driver of economic and trade cooperation between the two nations, industry analysts said.

"Energy cooperation between China and South Africa is mutually beneficial and win-win. It is believed the two parties will further deepen energy cooperation, trade and investment, especially in that of renewables, in the days to come," said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.

According to Lin, while China is vigorously developing renewables at home, South Africa is also working on an ambitious green energy transition, incorporating new energy as a means to resolve the African nation's ongoing power crisis.

South Africa has faced rolling blackouts in its power grid since 2003, caused by insufficient electricity generation.

The cooperation, Lin said, will also help South Africa overcome its energy challenges while reigniting its economic growth.

Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, South Africa's ambassador to China, was quoted as saying by Reuters that China's advanced and affordable technology could help South Africa achieve its energy goals.

South Africa is willing to learn from China in terms of green development and energy transition. Cooperation can make a tangible contribution to addressing our energy challenges and starting our economic recovery, he said.