South Africa has signed the first three agreements to increase its renewable energy supplies and reduce reliance on coal-fired power stations.
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe on Thursday led the deal-signing event with independent producers to supply wind energy.
The country is enduring acute energy shortages, with its state energy provider, Eskom, suffering from a lack of investment amid allegations of corruption.
Coal is used to generate 80% of South African electricity but under Thursday's deal, energy output will increase by 10% through private investment in wind and solar projects.
These are not expected to come online until 2024.
Official figures released earlier this month confirmed that South Africa's GDP shrank partly because of daily rolling blackouts affecting both homes and industry.
Latest Stories
-
A Plus’ threat laughable, I have nothing to hide – AG
33 minutes -
Pan-African business forum announces new senior appointments
50 minutes -
Is the NPP struggling to hold the NDC accountable in its first 120 days? – Prof. Boadi
50 minutes -
AG to file criminal charges in Sky Train, NSS ‘ghost names’ scandals next week
1 hour -
Australia-Africa Partnership for Climate-Responsive Agriculture: A $76m investment
1 hour -
Exam malpractices threaten national security, workforce competitiveness – WAEC
1 hour -
Fear grips residents of Akatakyieso after ‘unauthorised’ taskforce invaded mining firm, assaulted workers, stole gold bars
1 hour -
Dr. Eric Tutu Tchao: “What are the most important problems in your field, and why aren’t you working on them?”
2 hours -
I disagree with calls to suspend ‘Thank You’ tour – Nana B
2 hours -
KNUST students develop smart syringe pump for managing fluids during surgery
2 hours -
We resist linking Unity Hall stabbing to perceived Bawumia-Kennedy Agyapong rivalry – Nana B
2 hours -
‘Interesting times ahead for Judiciary’ – Frank Davies on Mahama’s SC nominations
2 hours -
Most of the charges will lead to conviction – AG confident over Adu Boahene case
2 hours -
Adu Boahene case: Mahama fully informed, I can’t mislead him – AG
2 hours -
GHs1m illegally paid monthly to Adu Buahene for GWCL internet – AG
2 hours