South African state-owned electricity company Eskom has launched a process to select strategic partners to finance and develop up to 6 GW of renewable energy and battery storage projects by 2030. The initiative aims to expand electricity generation capacity and support the future operations of Eskom Green.
The qualification process opened on October 2, 2026, through a Request for Qualification (RfQ). Interested companies have until November 16, 2026, to submit documentation demonstrating their technical capabilities, financial resources and experience in large-scale energy projects.
Eskom Opens Partner Qualification Process
The selection process will take place in two stages. Eskom will first assess applicantsโ track records, technical expertise and financial capacity. Companies that meet the requirements will then be eligible to participate in subsequent Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for individual projects.
Selected partners may participate through co-development and co-investment arrangements, sharing responsibilities and resources with Eskom. The pre-qualified list is expected to remain valid for approximately five years, allowing eligible companies to be considered for future investment opportunities.
Solar, Wind and Battery Storage Projects
Eskom has identified a portfolio of approximately 14 GW of energy projects, from which it intends to develop up to 6 GW of renewable energy generation and storage capacity before the end of the decade.
The initial phase includes 2 GW of photovoltaic solar generation, alongside battery storage systems with 1 GW of power capacity and 4 GWh of energy capacity. At nominal power, the batteries would provide approximately four hours of continuous discharge.
The broader portfolio also includes wind energy and other renewable technologies. However, the call for proposals does not yet specify the final locations of all facilities.
Projects are at different stages of preparation, with progress varying in land availability, environmental permitting and grid connections. These factors will influence construction and commissioning schedules.
Eskom Green to Support Project Financing
Eskom Green is planned as a business platform to manage renewable asset development and facilitate participation by public- and private-sector investors.
The proposed model involves establishing special-purpose entities for individual projects, using project-finance structures that organise funding around each facilityโs characteristics and revenue streams. This approach is intended to enable collaboration with different investors while distributing development, construction and operational responsibilities.
Electricity generated by the projects is expected to be sold primarily through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with corporate, commercial and industrial customers. These agreements could provide supply commitments that support project financing.
Eskom has indicated that contracts resulting from the selection process could be transferred to Eskom Green once the entity is formally established.
Qualification Deadline and Next Steps
The Request for Qualification, identified by reference number E3612GXR, remains open until November 16, 2026. Pre-qualification will not guarantee a project award; successful applicants must still participate in individual proposal processes, where technical, commercial and financial conditions will be established.
Eskomโs ability to achieve its 6 GW target by 2030 will depend on partner selection, securing financing, obtaining permits and grid connections, and progressing the planned projects through development.