Eskom is seeking strategic partners for up to 6 GW of utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar PV, BESS and wind
The initial program comprises 2 GW of solar PV and 1 GW/4 GWh of BESS from Eskom’s estimated 14 GW renewable energy pipeline
Selected partners will be pre-qualified for co-development and co-investment and can participate in subsequent project-specific RFPs
South African utility Eskom has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to select strategic partners for up to 6 GW of utility-scale renewable energy projects in South Africa. The five-year program covers solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind, and other renewable technologies.
The RFQ aims to establish a panel of pre-qualified partners for co-development and co-investment in renewable energy and energy storage projects with Eskom or its planned renewable energy subsidiary Eskom Green.
Under the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, South Africa aims for 105 GW of new generation capacity by 2042 while Eskom targets up to 32 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity by 2040.
Eskom says it has identified a substantial pipeline of around 14 GW of renewable energy projects, of which an estimated 6 GW of additional capacity is to be implemented by 2030. Through the RFQ, the utility is now seeking strategic partners for Phase I, which comprises 2 GW of solar PV and 1 GW/4 GWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity.
Revenue would primarily come from long-term bilateral power purchase agreements with corporate, commercial, and industrial customers, as well as aggregated offtake arrangements.
The qualification process will create a panel that remains valid for five years after successful respondents are appointed. Qualified partners will subsequently be able to participate in project-specific RFPs, subject to the applicable evaluation and approval processes.
All agreements resulting from the RFQ will initially be concluded by Eskom, which will then be transferred to the utility’s renewable energy arm Eskom Green, once the subsidiary is incorporated.
The new entity Eskom Green is mandated to make around 6 GW of new renewable energy capacity available by 2030, supported by 17 priority projects across Eskom’s existing coal power station sites (see South Africa’s Eskom Launches Renewable Energy Arm).
Eskom launched the RFQ E3612GXR on October 2, 2026. It will accept submissions till November 16, 2026. Details can be found on etenders.gov.za.
