Eskom launches Eskom Green renewable energy unit to help SA exporters cut carbon footprint under EU CBAM rules

Eskom has launched Eskom Green, a new renewable energy business targeting large industrial customers in mining and manufacturing. The utility aims to supply low-carbon power to help South African exporters comply with carbon border rules like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Eskom Green will focus on solar, battery storage, pumped storage, and wind projects with an initial 2GW operational goal, scaling to 6GW of carbon-free electricity by 2030. The new unit operates as a wholly owned subsidiary with an independent board, using direct bilateral power purchase agreements and take-or-pay contracts to anchor project financing. Customers get transparent pricing with separate line items for energy, network charges, and wheeling fees. This marks a shift from Eskom's legacy model toward agile, partnership-based renewable development. The launch responds to growing pressure on carbon-intensive sectors like steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilisers to account for embedded emissions in exported goods. Eskom Green aims to complement private sector players and help bridge the generation gap outlined in South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan 2025.