on July 20th, 2026

In a power sector shaped by the shift toward renewable energy and changing technical demands, how do engineering skills keep pace? And what does this mean for those preparing to enter or already working in the field?

This feature looks at how electrical engineering education is adapting to developments in South Africa’s energy sector, and how programs such as ECST’s Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering fit into that landscape for students and professionals.

A Sector Under Pressure and Change

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), South Africa has the largest electricity system in Africa and remains one of the continent’s most industrialized economies. As of 2023–2024, approximately 80% of the country’s electricity is generated from coal. However, this long-standing dependence on coal has placed increasing pressure on an ageing power system, prompting the need for significant reforms. In accordance with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), South Africa is undergoing a major transformation of its electricity sector. In its OECD Economic Surveys: South Africa 2025 – Reforming South Africa’s Electricity Sector, the OECD highlights several long-standing challenges that continue to shape the country’s energy transition, including:

ECST
  • Ageing power infrastructure – Many of the coal-fired power stations operated by Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility, are more than 40 years old and are nearing the end of their operational life. As a result, they experience frequent breakdowns and require extensive maintenance, placing increasing strain on the country’s electricity supply.
  • Recurring electricity shortages – These ongoing challenges on ageing infrastructure and insufficient generation capacity have resulted in recurring load shedding. The power outages have affected households, businesses, and industries, highlighting the need for a more reliable electricity system.
  • Insufficient transmission infrastructure – Insufficient transmission infrastructure – South Africa’s electricity transmission network has not kept pace with the country’s growing energy needs, particularly the expansion of renewable energy. According to the OECD, limited grid capacity has become a key constraint. This prevents new power generation projects from being connected efficiently and slows efforts to improve the reliability of electricity supply.
  • Heavy reliance on coal – Coal remains South Africa’s primary source of electricity, accounting for approximately 80% of total generation. While it has long provided a stable source of power, this dependence has slowed the country’s transition to cleaner energy and increased the need to modernize its electricity system.

Developing Talent for a Modern Grid

Addressing these challenges requires more than infrastructure upgrades. It also calls for a skilled workforce capable of designing, operating, and maintaining a more resilient electricity system. As South Africa accelerates its energy transition, higher education institutions are strengthening efforts to equip current and future engineers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the country’s evolving power sector. In this context, electrical engineering education plays a critical role in preparing graduates to address the technical and operational demands of a modern power system.

ECST in Action

The Engineering College of Science and Technology’s (ECST) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is designed to develop competencies that align with these evolving industry needs. The programme supports this goal by preparing graduates to:

ECST
  • Design and maintain electrical infrastructure – Students learn the principles of electrical system design and network reliability. This equips them to support the modernization and maintenance of South Africa’s ageing electricity infrastructure.
  • Supporting renewable energy integration – The programme introduces students to renewable energy technologies and sustainable power systems. This enables them to contribute to the integration of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources into the country’s evolving energy mix.
  • Advancing smart grid and automation technologies – Students gain practical knowledge in electrical protection, control systems, and smart grid technologies. This prepares them to improve the efficiency and digital capabilities of modern electricity networks.

The transformation of South Africa’s electricity sector underscores the growing importance of engineering education in supporting the country’s long-term energy goals. For those interested in contributing to this transformation, ECST will offer a range of engineering programmes, including its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, designed to support diverse career pathways in the energy sector.

References

Electricity in South Africa

OECD Economic Surveys: South Africa 2025


      

    

  








    

      

        

          
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