South Africa Electricity Mix
South Africa generated 13.6% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2025, below the world average of 33.8%. Each kilowatt-hour produced emitted about 699 grams of CO₂.
Data year 2025 · Source: Ember and Energy Institute via Our World in Data
How much electricity in South Africa comes from renewables?
Renewable sources produced 13.6% of the electricity generated in South Africa in 2025. The world average was 33.8% in 2025. That is up from 0.8% in 2000. That ranks South Africa 147th of 210 countries and territories by renewable share.
Electricity mix by source
Coal is the largest source of electricity in South Africa, at 81.4% of generation, followed by solar at 8.0% and wind at 4.7%. Fossil fuels together supplied 82.2% and nuclear 4.2%.
Carbon intensity of electricity
Generating one kilowatt-hour of electricity in South Africa emitted about 699 grams of CO₂ in 2025, 53% above the world average of 458 g. At that rate, a business using 10,000 kWh a year would be responsible for roughly 6,993 kg of CO₂ from electricity.
This is an estimate based on the generation mix. For a formal carbon report, use the grid factor published by the national energy or environment agency. Our guide to emission factors explains the difference.
How South Africa compares
Countries closest to South Africa when ranked by renewable share of electricity. See the full ranking, or the CO₂ emissions of South Africa.
| # | Country | Renewables | Low-carbon | g CO₂/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | Kazakhstan | 14.9% | 14.9% | 805 |
| 146 | Tonga | 14.3% | 14.3% | 571 |
| 147 | South Africa | 13.6% | 17.8% | 699 |
| 148 | Dominica | 13.3% | 13.3% | 600 |
| 149 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 13.3% | 13.3% | 600 |
Frequently asked questions
What share of electricity in South Africa is renewable?
13.6% in 2025. That is up from 0.8% in 2000. Counting nuclear as well, 17.8% of electricity came from low-carbon sources.
What is the main source of electricity in South Africa?
Coal is the largest source of electricity in South Africa, at 81.4% of generation, followed by solar at 8.0% and wind at 4.7%.
How clean is electricity in South Africa?
Generating one kilowatt-hour emitted about 699 grams of CO₂ in 2025, 53% above the world average of 458 g.
Is renewable electricity growing in South Africa?
The renewable share has risen by 12.9 percentage points, from 0.8% in 2000 to 13.6% in 2025.
About the data. Shares are percentages of the electricity generated inside the country in a year. Renewables are hydro, wind, solar, bioenergy and other renewable sources. Low-carbon adds nuclear. The latest year differs between countries and is shown on each page. Carbon intensity is an estimate of the CO₂ emitted per kilowatt-hour generated, including emissions over the life of each power source.
Source: Ember and the Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy, processed by Our World in Data and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence.
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