Energy

What we do

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CSIR Energy Centre

We advance energy technologies, model optimal carbon-neutral pathways and provide guidance to regulatory authorities, markets and policymakers. This work supports a just transition towards reliable, efficient and clean energy in South Africa.

Scientist smiling at a camera

CSIR Energy Centre

We advance energy technologies, model optimal carbon-neutral pathways and provide guidance to regulatory authorities, markets and policymakers. This work supports a just transition towards reliable, efficient and clean energy in South Africa.

Multiple solar panels on roof

CSIR Energy Centre

We advance energy technologies, model optimal carbon-neutral pathways and provide guidance to regulatory authorities, markets and policymakers. This work supports a just transition towards reliable, efficient and clean energy in South Africa.

Scientist holding an item

CSIR Energy Centre

We advance energy technologies, model optimal carbon-neutral pathways and provide guidance to regulatory authorities, markets and policymakers. This work supports a just transition towards reliable, efficient and clean energy in South Africa.

Windmills in a sunset

CSIR Energy Centre

We advance energy technologies, model optimal carbon-neutral pathways and provide guidance to regulatory authorities, markets and policymakers. This work supports a just transition towards reliable, efficient and clean energy in South Africa.

Contact information:

Dr. Thabo Hlalele 
CSIR Energy Research Centre Manager 
@email

Cathy Maidi
Business Development Manager
@email

Highlights

Electrical lines and poles on field

Major metro has a new plan for clean, affordable electricity

The City of Tshwane and the CSIR determined an ideal mix of solar, wind, battery storage, hydro, landfill, and biomass energies as part of a recent study. These renewables could supplement the existing power supply from Eskom to help the city lower electricity prices while meeting growing demand and emissions targets. The study also looked at how embedded generation can boost power security and create export revenues from excess power to the grid. Embedded generation refers to electricity produced close to where it is used and fed into the distribution network. CSIR researchers are urging other municipalities to adopt science-based energy planning and modelling to help reduce emissions, prevent electricity theft, and align with national electricity planning.

Our research

Energy industry

Energy industry

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We examine the socioeconomic dimensions of a just energy transition in South Africa and across the continent. This includes analysing the potential of new and renewable energy technologies to create jobs and drive sustainable development.

Energy supply and demand

Energy supply and demand

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We provide independent, science-based energy forecasting and techno-economic assessments to support industry, government and consumers in integrating renewable and clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydrogen and excess heat from industrial processes.

Energy storage testbed

Energy storage testbed

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We provide independent testing and validation of residential and commercial batteries to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards, protecting consumers and supporting local manufacturers. In addition, we develop local battery standards and recycling protocols and offer technical guidance to support national energy strategies and procurement efforts.

Electrochemical energy technologies

Electrochemical energy technologies

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We advance battery technologies for anodes and cathodes using lithium, manganese and natural graphite sourced from local minerals and materials. Our work supports local energy storage and conversion solutions and contributes to the local battery manufacturing industry.

Energy systems

Energy systems

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We conduct scientific research, modelling and simulations to support the modernisation and decarbonisation of South Africa's energy systems through improved policies and advanced technologies such as microgrids.

Our capabilities
 

Techno-economics of green hydrogen and derivatives
Techno-economics of green hydrogen and derivatives

We provide cost and market recommendations for public-sector green hydrogen projects, especially at the provincial level, as well as for legacy industries seeking to decarbonise. This includes analysing solar and wind energy potential to support the production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as methanol, ammonia, green steel, e-kerosene, e-diesel and green iron, at strategic locations. We leverage our diverse expertise to deliver integrated, strategic insights that advance South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions.

Wind Atlas for South Africa
Wind Atlas for South Africa

In partnership with the South African National Energy Development Institute, we maintain and expand a publicly accessible wind energy resource map. The Wind Atlas for South Africa supports feasibility studies for wind energy projects, enabling the large-scale development and use of wind energy across the country.

Graphic with wind turbines
Energy availability in South Africa

We compile and publish annual reports on power generation statistics in South Africa, including energy from nuclear, hydro, pumped storage, open cycle gas turbines and independent renewable power production. The reports provide a detailed analysis of loadshedding statistics and energy availability factors, and compares national average electricity tariff increases to other countries.

Our facilities

We support industry through research, testing at our facilities and a range of expert services.

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Battery technology laboratories

We synthesise, fabricate and test coin and pouch cells (batteries) using specialised equipment for wet chemistry, thermal processing, microwave processing and multi-channel testing.

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Hydrogen and fuel cell technology laboratories

We synthesise, fabricate and test fuel cells and associated materials using specialised equipment for electrochemistry, membrane assembly, spectroscopy and precise physical and chemical characterisation.

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Energy storage testbed

We assess battery performance and reliability by measuring storage capacity, lifecycle and depth of discharge – advancing South Africa's battery industry and market knowledge. The testbed, established with support from the World Bank Energy Storage Partnership, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research in Belgium and the South African and Flemish governments, supports energy transitions by testing lithium-ion batteries and advanced storage technologies for South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The facility features precise multi-channel battery testing and a temperature chamber for assessing performance under challenging climatic conditions. Watch.

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Solar photovoltaics laboratory

We support South Africa's growing photovoltaic manufacturing sector by providing accredited indoor and outdoor testing to evaluate module performance and reduce investor risk. Offering 15 internationally aligned test methods, the facility accelerates local product development and supports system design, modelling, operations and maintenance. The laboratory also advances knowledge through research, publications and researcher training. Watch.

Thermal energy laboratory
Thermal energy laboratory

In partnership with the South African National Energy Development Institute, we provide solutions to local industry in thermal energy efficiency, waste heat recovery, solar thermal energy systems and thermal energy storage.

Resources
 

A wide-area surveillance system that detects and classifies moving... South Africa’s power generation statistics 2024: A presentation Go somewhere
A camera to detect gunshots and gun-related crime. SANEDI Wind Atlas Go somewhere