The integrated strategic electricity planning (ISEP) process provides energy and demand forecasting for up to 20 years into the future. As part of this process, data is gathered on supply- and demand-side costs and performances. Then the mix of these options and the timing of their use are optimised to meet the load forecast with suitable reliability, taking into account risks and assessment criteria.

The planning process provides economically and environmentally acceptable options for flexible and timely decision-making, considering Eskom and our shareholder’s objectives and taking into account available energy reserves and renewable energy potential.

The criteria for assessing the quality of the plan include cost, flexibility, robustness, sustainability and implementation.

Click here for further discussion of criteria.

While the major energy source will remain coal in the foreseeable future, we plan to reduce coal’s current approximately 90% share of the energy mix to below 70% by 2026. To achieve this, a much higher proportion of nuclear energy (currently 4%) is envisaged by 2026, while additional renewable energy options (about 2% by 2026) will also be pursued. Pumped-storage and gas-turbine power stations will be built to meet peak demand, while electricity imports from neighbouring countries (to a maximum of the reserve margin) will also be negotiated.