Government unveils power plan to fast-track infrastructure and unlock billions in energy investment

JOHANNESBURG - Government said it's making major progress in its plan to fix the power crisis by allowing private companies to build and operate parts of the country's electricity grid for the first time.

The independent transmission projects programme is a public-private partnership led by National treasury and the Department of electricity and energy designed to fast-track the upgrade of aging infrastructure and stimulate billions in investment.

It's been described as a potentially game-changing shift for a grid that's long been seen as a bottleneck to energy security.

South Africa needs over 14000 km of new transmission lines to carry electricity from where it's generated to where it's needed most.

But Eskom can't do it alone and government says the current pace is too slow to meet energy demand or accommodate new renewable projects.

A landmark determination published in March clears the way for companies to build over 1000 km of new infrastructure across three provinces with more rounds to follow.

Tenders will open by next month and a credit guarantee vehicle, developed with the World Bank, will help attract funding and lower the risk for investors.

Officials said it's not just about power it's about growth, confidence and industrial renewal.