The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has commended the South African government for taking decisive steps toward securing the country’s energy future and strengthening its climate commitments. This follows Cabinet’s approval and release of the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, which have been submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under the Paris Agreement.
The Commission described both developments as “critical national commitments” that will shape South Africa’s response to its energy challenges while advancing the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
“The power sector remains central to achieving economy-wide emissions reduction and unlocking new opportunities for green industrialisation,” the PCC noted. “The IRP outlines how South Africa can meet its electricity needs while creating space for renewable energy growth and ensuring a just transition that protects workers and communities.”
The PCC welcomed the IRP’s continued emphasis on renewable energy and called for stronger policy alignment between energy planning and climate targets. It recommended that South Africa’s electricity roadmap be integrated with national emission targets under the Climate Change Act, the National Development Plan, and the Just Transition Framework to create a unified, coherent path forward.
Dorah Modise, Executive Director of the PCC, said that aligning policies and integrating climate goals into all levels of planning is essential to attract investment and ensure the success of the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP).
“Moving ahead, the PCC calls for policy coherence as an enabler for attracting power sector investments required by our Just Energy Transition Investment Plan,” said Modise. “This includes modernising infrastructure, setting clear decarbonisation targets in industrial master plans, planning inclusively for coal phase-down, and embedding climate finance into national budgeting processes.”
Modise also urged government to strengthen engagement with all social partners — from industry and labour to vulnerable communities — as decisions on the country’s future energy mix are finalised.
“We call upon government to continue to seek consensus and improve on its consultation processes,” she added. “Policy decisions about our energy future and emissions trajectory must be well canvassed among all stakeholders, especially those most affected by the transition.”
Looking ahead to COP30, to be held in Brazil, the PCC emphasised the importance of global cooperation as the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.
The Commission pledged its support to Team South Africa to COP30, led by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, and welcomed his commitment to championing better access to climate finance for developing countries.
The PCC also encouraged South Africa to use its upcoming G20 Presidency and the Global Leader Summit as opportunities to demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
“We urge our leaders to use this moment to show courageous leadership,” said Modise. “This is an opportunity to chart a more sustainable, inclusive, and just new world order.”
The PCC said the country’s new energy and climate direction represents not only progress toward a more resilient power system but also a chance to reaffirm South Africa’s position as a climate leader on the continent and globally.
