South Africa: Private power trading a turning point in energy sector

Inside the C&I energy and storage market

Across South Africa’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, the conversation around energy is shifting from surviving power cuts to building systems that are cost-competitive, decarbonised and flexible. It is here that the private sector is powering progress.

To unpack what’s driving the shifts in the market, ESI Africa joined the C&I Energy + Storage Summit in Johannesburg on 4–5 November 2025, where we spoke with industry leaders about the trends redefining the energy landscape and the risks to look out for.

For Andrew Taylor, head of trading at NOA Group, the emergence of private power trading is a sign that South Africa’s energy sector has reached a turning point. “NOA is a renewable energy aggregator and trader,” he explains. “We were issued a licence by NERSA to effectively buy and sell electricity.”

Cover photo:   pitinan©123rf