Ramokgopa: New IRP designed to end load shedding permanently

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the new Integrated Resource Plan is designed to end load shedding permanently.

Unveiling the plan during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa said a stable power supply was critical to reviving the economy, which has suffered under frequent outages.

He said the new strategy replaces the 2019 version and aligns with the country’s current energy needs.

Ramokgopa said the plan could unlock R2.2 trillion in investment and contribute 30% to GDP growth.

"One is to get the economy growing and get people into jobs; we had set ourselves a target of growing the South African economy by 3% plus by 2030. There is no economy that grows if the lights are off, there is no industry that will locate in South Africa if we can't guarantee them electricity that is available and of good quality and is affordable," said Ramokgopa.