Coal to Clean: How South Africa’s Energy Makeover Is Taking Shape

South Africa is navigating a bold but bumpy shift from coal to renewables through the Just Energy Transition Partnership, backed by over $10 billion in international funding, despite the US pulling out in early 2025. Early wins include infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and investments in green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and local job training to help miners learn new skills, especially in coal-reliant regions. However, deep-rooted issues—poverty, energy insecurity, and uneven state capacity—threaten to stall progress. While policy breakthroughs like the Climate Change Act offer promise, real success hinges on local government readiness and a truly people-centered approach. Still, just 8.8% of South Africa’s installed power capacity comes from renewables, highlighting the long road ahead to ensure a just, inclusive energy future.