South Africa Renewable Energy
Renewable energy consumption as % of total EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS
South Africa's renewable energy was 9.70% in 2021, ranked 145th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2021.
Overview
South Africa's renewable energy stood at 9.70% in 2021, a decline of +0.10% from 2020. South Africa ranked 145th globally.
South Africa's renewable energy share has exhibited a mixed trend over the past three decades, with a recent uptick. At 9.70% in 2021, the country's renewable energy contribution ranks 145th globally, according to World Bank data. This figure represents a significant recovery from the all-time trough of 7.60% in 2015. In comparison, peer country St. Lucia shares a similar ranking with 9.70% in 2021, while Armenia ranks slightly lower at 9.10%. The country's renewable energy share peaked at 18.60% in 1994, a level not seen since the early years of the post-apartheid era. Despite this, the sector's growth has been relatively slow, with a dip from 16.60% in 1990. A sustained increase in renewable energy capacity and investment is necessary to propel South Africa's share closer to the levels seen in the mid-1990s, a trend that could be accelerated by supportive policy measures and technological advancements.
Data & projection
| Year | Renewable Energy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9.70% | −0.10% | #145 |
| 2020 | 9.80% | +1.10% | #147 |
| 2019 | 8.70% | +0.70% | #146 |
| 2018 | 8.00% | +0.10% | #148 |
| 2017 | 7.90% | +0.10% | #148 |
| 2016 | 7.80% | +0.20% | #148 |
| 2015 | 7.60% | +0.00% | #148 |
| 2014 | 7.60% | −0.20% | #145 |
| 2013 | 7.80% | −0.50% | #144 |
| 2012 | 8.30% | −0.70% | #143 |
| 2011 | 9.00% | −0.40% | #138 |
| 2010 | 9.40% | +0.20% | #137 |
| 2009 | 9.20% | −0.50% | #134 |
| 2008 | 9.70% | +1.00% | #128 |
| 2007 | 8.70% | −0.60% | #130 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw renewable energy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's renewable energy was 9.70% in 2021. Ranked 145th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's renewable energy peaked at 18.60% in 1993.
The lowest renewable energy in South Africa was 7.60% in 2014.
South Africa ranks 145th globally in renewable energy as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The renewable energy of South Africa in 2021 was 9.70%. This ranks 145th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_renewable-energy,
title = {South Africa Renewable Energy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/renewable-energy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}