South Africa

South Africa ranks 41st in the CCPI, as a low climate performer. The country receives a low rating in GHG Emissions, very low in Renewable Energy, high in Energy Use, and medium in Climate Policy.

South Africa has shown its desire to reduce emissions and expand renewable energy, but many policies remain in draft form, according to the CCPI country experts. The latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and Eskom’s coal phase-out commitments are delayed amid frequent setbacks and missed deadlines. While the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) continues and market liberalisation is speeding up deployment, technical and regulatory constraints are hampering implementation.

Coal still dominates South Africa’s power sector and power plants are old and unreliable. Meanwhile, part of the government is promoting oil and gas exploration.  The country is among the 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves. The experts recognise there is a tax and energy efficiency standard for appliances and buildings, but low rates and weak monitoring limit the impacts. The Green Transport Strategy from 2018 is outdated and unambitious, with vehicle electrification progressing only at a slow rate. Biomass remains important for low-income households and it is often linked to health impacts associated with indoor air pollution and gender-based injustices.

A strong international climate voice, but domestic implementation and political leadership are needed

The experts favourably mention the relatively well-protected natural forests and peatlands, though invasive tree clearing is sometimes registered as deforestation. Tree planting and sustainable farming policies exist, but no comprehensive national framework exists for land-based emissions reduction.

Internationally, South Africa positions itself as a strong voice for climate justice, equity, and development, reinforcing the principles in the UNFCCC and G20 fora. However, at the national level, the will for decarbonisation is weak. Economic challenges, especially high unemployment, constrain climate ambition, with demand reductions often coming as the result of economic decline rather than efficiency gains.

The experts indicate the need to finalise and operationalise draft policies, strengthen monitoring and enforcement, update the transport strategy, and provide clear timelines for the coal phase-out. The Just Transition Partnership (JETP), REIPPPP, and existing efficiency standards provide valuable entry points, but the lack of implementation and political leadership remain as decisive gaps.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

National experts that contributed to the policy evaluation of this year’s CCPI chose to remain anonymous.