allowed to do so. The proliferation of solar energy systems across Africa in recent years shows how new technologies can leapfrog legacy ‘zombie power’ in a way not too dissimilar to how mobile telephony bypassed traditional fixed- line communications decades earlier. The result is something unique to Africa, as end users — from hospitals to households — turn to solar energy and other innovative solutions to navigate the complexities and costs of legacy power systems. JUWI Renewable Energies recently announced a tranche of major projects in South Africa that illustrate how the continent’s major industries are turning to solar to underpin their energy needs in the face of ‘zombie’ systems. It is set to begin construction on three major private solar projects in 2025 totalling 340 MW and worth around US$325mn. The trio of projects will make a major contribution to South Africa’s clean energy transition while serving key players in the mining, data centre and energy sectors, serving flagship customers including Glencore, Teraco, Sasol and Air Liquide. “These projects underscore the critical role of private sector leadership in driving South Africa’s energy transition,” said Richard Doyle, managing director, JUWI Renewable Energies. The projects include: • 120 MW solar PV facility for Teraco Data Centres, Africa’s largest data centre company, supplying multiple locations via wheeling innovation from a generation site in Free State Province Energy market trends to watch With 2025 set to bring more volatility, geopolitical tension and policy evolutions, independent energy research company, Rystad Energy, has identified 12 trends significant trends that could shape the energy landscape in the coming years: 7 Much more electricity will be needed to keep pace with AI and EV boom 8 Low carbon energy markets poised to flourish 9 A defining year for the global climate conversation Source: Rystad Energy JUWI drives Africa’s solar revolution amid rising energy costs. 18 Image Credit: Adobe Stock SOLAR POWER JUWI Renewables announced that it had surpassed 4,000 MW in completed solar capacity worldwide.” MARCH 2025 | www.africanreview.com