Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019)

The IRP 2019 identifies an immediate risk of power shortages in South Africa due to the declining energy availability factor (EAF) of Eskom's fleet and the decommissioning of old coal plants. To mitigate this, the plan recommends a medium-term power purchase programme, the life extension of the Koeberg nuclear plant to 2044, and the continued operation of plants despite minimum emission standard non-compliance. Long-term, the plan envisions a diversified energy mix shifting from coal toward renewables, gas, and nuclear, while emphasizing a 'just transition' to protect jobs and local economies. It specifically proposes 2,500 MW of new nuclear capacity and the integration of the Grand Inga Hydropower Project from the DRC.

• South Africa faces an immediate risk of significant power shortages due to the low energy availability factor (EAF) of Eskom's plants and the early shutdown of units at Grootvlei, Komati, and Hendrina.
• To address short-term supply gaps estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 MW, the document recommends a medium-term power purchase programme (MTPPP) to acquire capacity from existing facilities like co-generation and small hydro.
• The plan mandates the extension of the Koeberg nuclear power station's design life by 20 years, extending its operation to 2044 to maintain energy security.
• The IRP 2019 proposes the commencement of a new nuclear build programme for 2,500 MW, to be implemented at a modular scale and affordable pace.
• The document argues for the continued use of coal resources provided they utilize high efficiency, low emission (HELE) technologies and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).
• The plan recommends converting existing diesel-fired peaking plants to gas to support the development of gas infrastructure and improve flexibility.
• South Africa intends to participate in the Grand Inga Hydropower Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a 2,500 MW offtake to enable regional energy trading.
• The document emphasizes a 'just transition' to mitigate the socio-economic impact of decommissioning approximately 24,100 MW of coal power plants between 2030 and 2050.
• Annual build limits for wind and solar PV are to be retained to ensure a consistent project pipeline and maintain investor confidence.

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (2019). Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019). https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Integrated-Resource-Plan-18-October-2019.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019). 2019. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Integrated-Resource-Plan-18-October-2019.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019) |date=October 2019 |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Integrated-Resource-Plan-18-October-2019.pdf?x21779 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centreforenvironmentalrights2019integrated, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019)}}, institution = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, year = {2019}, month = oct, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Integrated-Resource-Plan-18-October-2019.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }