Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3437 https://internationalpubls.com Framework for the Development of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: A Necessity for South Africa’s Clean Energy Future 1st Mamosothoane Hetsa, 2nd Xolani Yokwana and 3rd Motlatsi Lehloka Department of Electrical and Smart Systems Engineering University of South Africa 1st 20660146@mylife.unisa.ac.za 2nd yokwaxp@unisa.ac.za 3rd lehlomc@unisa.ac.za Article History: Received: 19-08-2025 Revised: 24-09-2025 Accepted: 15-10-2025 Abstract: South Africa is at crucial crossroads in its pursuit of a sustainable and resilient energy future. Historically dependent on coal for the majority of its electricity production, the country faces increasing pressure, both domestically and internationally, to decarbonize its energy system. Thus, the government has set ambitious energy transition goals that require substantial changes from those fossil fuels to renewable sources. These targets aimed at improving energy security, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting economic growth assume a central role in national policy. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), involving the integration of two or more renewable technologies, have emerged as potential solutions to help the country meet its energy goals. This paper provides an overview of the current research on HRES and analyses their deployment to help South Africa move towards cleaner energy. It also underlines how important it is to have political will in facilitating frameworks and allocating the necessary financial means. Keywords: Hybrid renewable energy systems, South Africa’s energy transition goals and renewable energy independent power producer procurement program. 1. Introduction The current environmental state of affairs has multiple countries grappling with the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, and therefore the shift towards sustainable energy has become a global imperative. This is exactly where South Africa finds itself in the current phase of energy transition, as it tries to balance its economic growth, social equity, and ecological sustainability [1]. The energy sector of South Africa has been dominantly powered by coal and other fossil fuel sources for a long time which has boosted the greenhouse gas emissions and consequently, deteriorated the environment. Emerging as a viable means to help this shift are hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) [2]. They often combine several renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass with conventional energy systems or energy storage technologies. Using the advantages of several energy sources, HRES may provide a more dependable and flexible energy supply, less vulnerable to the intermittency problems usually related with renewable energy [3]. These systems can play a big role in improving energy access, enhancing grid stability while reducing dependency on fossil fuels in the South African case where demand is increasing, and the current system is strained. The government of South Africa has diagnosed HRES as a potential opportunity in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) framework for the next ten years [4]. The IRP provides a guiding framework for mailto:20660146@mylife.unisa.ac.za mailto:yokwaxp@unisa.ac.za mailto:lehlomc@unisa.ac.za Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3438 https://internationalpubls.com the country’s energy policy and emphasizes conventional as well as increased renewable integration into the national grid. In addition to this, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has stimulated private investment in renewables, thus fostering a competitive economy that will reduce costs and accelerate adoption [5]. However, despite these positive developments, there are still some stubborn problems that stand in the way of the successful integration of HRES into the South African energy system [6]. Figure 1: Integrated Resource Plan roadmap to 2030 [6]. The regulatory framework has usually favoured large scale fossil fuel projects rather than dispersed renewable energy initiatives, thus creating one such hurdle. The complexity of the legal landscape could discourage some investors and stifle innovation. Also, the existing grid system could be unprepared to handle the distributed energy resources that HRES entails. Effort to resolve these problems requires cooperation from all sectors of the society, industry, and policy makers in order to design a reasonable context for the development of hybrid systems [7]. In addition to those, the social- economic impacts of transitioning to HRES are also studied. As other countries in the region, South Africa has high unequalled rates, particularly for rural spaces where people still lack basic amenities such as electricity [8]. Besides enabling power or electricity access through HRES, expanding renewable technologies could improve the country’s job market and stimulate local economies. Nevertheless, there is the need to ensure that these transformations are equally distributed in order to avoid deepening pre-existing social disparities. Thus, HRES evaluations must integrate social dimensions of energy frameworks alongside the plan designs and incorporate the values of community engagement and values in the implementation stages [9]. Hybrid renewable energy systems can support South Africa’s energy transformation goals in a number of ways. As the nation navigates challenges in a changing energy landscape, evaluation of HRES’s potential should be based on economic and technological foundations as well as social justice and environmental equality [10]. This will be the foundation for investment in planning and policies aimed at a just and suitable shift to a lower-carbon energy system [11]. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3439 https://internationalpubls.com This literature review evaluates the role of HRES in achieving South Africa’s energy transition goals, examining both their technical viability and their alignment with the nation’s commitments To ensure a thorough analysis, this review draws on literature from multiple academic databases including Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, using search terms such as ”hybrid renewable energy South Africa” and ”just energy transition (JET).” The selection process prioritized peer-reviewed articles and policy documents published between 2018 and 2024, focusing on sources that address technical, economic, or socio-political dimensions of renewable energy in the South African context and a few globally. The literature was analysed thematically, revealing three key areas of focus: technical feasibility, socio-economic impacts, and implementation challenges. 2. Literature Review The shift to renewable energy sources has emerged as a key component in addressing global energy issues and mitigating the effects of climate change. The adoption of HRES is a key component of South Africa’s energy transformation goals. The literature study looks at recent studies on HRES, their potential impacts on South Africa’s energy framework, and the opportunities and challenges that go along with them. The study by [12] asserts that these hybrid energy systems, which combine energy storage technology with a variety of renewable energy sources, offer practical ways to enhance sustainability and energy security. HRES provide dependable energy services by managing energy supply in spaces where renewable resources are inconsistent. They can balance energy creation and usage during peak demand times in South Africa which leads to improved grid stability [13]. Studies continue to put it plainly that HRES have the potential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which as discovered is the biggest challenge for South Africa relying heavily on coal fired power stations, which are not environmentally friendly. Therefore, calling for extensive works for compliance [14]. In line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement, South Africa is pursuing a transition to cleaner energy sources. HRES, with their integrated energy mix, are instrumental in this transition, offering enhanced resilience against power outages (loadshedding) and market volatility [15]. This theoretical foundation is supported by practical application. [3] conducted a techno-economic analysis demonstrating that an optimized HRES incorporating battery storage is a highly effective solution for mitigating grid intermittency, transforming variable inputs into a reliable power output. This finding is critical for South Africa, as it confirms that the technical tools exist to overcome one of Eskom’s primary concerns regarding renewable integration. While the technical case for HRES is strong, South Africa’s energy transition is explicitly framed by the principle of a (JET). This concept that is central to the nation’s just energy transition partnership (JETP), demands that the shift away from coal must also address the country’s historical inequalities, create new economic opportunities, and ensure procedural justice for affected communities [5]. In principle, these hybrid systems align with this objectives and hence why positive effects that will help society reduce poverty are always anticipated with every desirable progress, and HRES turns out to be loaded with such benefits. Literature outlines how making the switch to these energy sources would undoubtedly improve local economies and lead to the creation of jobs in rural areas where access to electricity is limited [16]. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3440 https://internationalpubls.com Since many regions of the nation lack access to energy sources, HRES can be viewed as the real hope for energy independence [17]. Nevertheless, there are some barriers that complicate the realization of this potential. It does still seem to be a challenge to address the issues of community concerns that affect transition because of regulatory blocks causing disinterest in engagement by the same communities that stand to benefit [18]. It is therefore increasingly evident that HRES is not immune to challenges despite the promising and clear benefit it comes with. Moreover, investing in small renewable energy projects seem to be adversely costly, and this means less interest in implantation to avoid huge capital losses [19]. Currently there is no clear policy framework that extensively addresses the benefits of investing in renewable energy nationally, and this has negatively impacted the rate of implementation and thereby gleam picture of achieving the intended goal is painted [20]. The government of South Africa has however identified the shortfall and is working towards addressing the issue through reforms policies and ways of making the transition attractive to potential investors [21]. South Africa is not yet confident in competency to manage the problem that is inherent with different energy sources, and it is clear that advanced technologies are required together with people capacitation. The existing infrastructure does not overly support HRES integration, which also is another difficulty [22]. Since the beginning of the integration of renewable energy sources into power grids, studies have not understated the importance of determining qualifying methods to be developed to manage efficiency and reliability in energy distribution in this new system [15]. Furthermore, it is clear that a storage solution is required in order to harness the instability that arises from renewable energy sources [23]. This writing zeroes in on the importance of the HRES potential in fast tracking the desired energy shift in South Africa. With all desirable benefits outlined, energy security realized coupled with potential economic growth, cleaner environment ensuring healthier country, HRES success is dependent on ensuring that breaking down of barriers is achieved relating to financing, policy frameworks and securing necessary technologies implementation. South Africa is standing in a favourable position to become a leader in pioneering renewable energy worldwide and greatly benefiting from the implementation thereof. 3. Discussion There is a need to transition to a green energy future in South Africa, particularly with regard to the use of fossil fuels in the country and the urgency of climate change. Hybrid energy renewable systems (HERS) become a vital factor to start this transition. By mixing multiple sources of energy, these systems show that they can raise energy reliability, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and boost energy security. One of the top advantages of HERS is their capability to moderate the intermittency linked with renewable power resources. Although South Africa has giant solar and wind resources that are prone to changeability, thus manipulating the consistency of energy supply, combining numerous renewable power sources in groups with storage solutions can offer HERS stable and secure energy production. Such dependability is crucial for residential and industrial consumers alike, particularly in a country where power shortages have been the usual stumbling blocks to economic growth. In addition to that, HERS can play a critically important role in rural electrification when traditional grid extension is still not economically feasible. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3441 https://internationalpubls.com Using hybrid systems based on local sources, local communities can gain energy independence and enhance socio-economic status. Such decentralization not only advances the country’s energy policies, but also results in local community ownership of the energy resources. In addition to the technical benefits, the application of these renewable energy systems is also capable of initiating the creation of employment opportunities and economic stimulus. The sector of renewable energy has proven to be labour absorbing in nature, and the deployment of hybrid systems would help create fresh employment opportunities at the manufacturing level, installation stage, and upkeep. This adheres to South Africa’s overall socio-economic priorities of reducing joblessness and developing inclusive growth. However, converting to HERS is not without challenges. The primary capital investment in increasing hybrid systems can be an obstacle, particularly in small projects. Policymakers will then need to deliberate on financing motivations and support programs to encourage investment in renewable technologies. As emphasized by [5], the current framework, largely fails to integrate these social objectives in a meaningful way. Therefore, regulatory frameworks must be established to facilitate the introduction of HERS into the existing energy framework, ensuring they complement traditional energy sources rather than compete with them. This leads to significant research and policy gap. The key unanswered question is: How can South Africa design a procurement and implementation framework for HRES that is optimized for technical performance, economic cost, and social justice outcomes? Without this, HRES risk becoming symbols of a ”transition” that decarbonizes the grid but leaves the country’s deep-seated structures of inequality intact. 4. Conclusion In conclusion, the appraisal of hybrid renewable energy systems in the setting of South Africa’s energy transition certainly shows their critical role in attaining the nation’s determined energy goals. From a technical standpoint, HRES offer a proven solution to the nation’s energy security challenges and are essential for realizing the vision of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019. The integration of diverse energy sources provides a viable pathway to enhance grid stability, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and mitigate environmental degradation. However, the contribution of HRES must be measured by more than technical metrics. The evaluation highlights the critical importance of robust policy frameworks that incentivize their deployment, particularly in expanding energy access to rural and underserved communities. Furthermore, the associated economic benefits, including job creation and local industrial development, are fundamental to achieving a Just Energy Transition. As South Africa grapples with the dual imperatives of energy security and climate action, HRES emerge as a cornerstone of a resilient and sustainable energy future. Realizing this future demands a concerted effort. By embracing innovation, investing in enabling infrastructure, and fostering inclusive stakeholder collaboration, South Africa can accelerate its transition. The findings of this study therefore serve as a call to action for policymakers, industry, and communities to work in concert, harnessing the full potential of hybrid systems to not only power the nation, but also to empower its people. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3442 https://internationalpubls.com Acknowledgements The author wishes to acknowledge both Mr Yokwana and Mr Lehloka for their guidance. She also wishes to acknowledge the University of South Africa for the financial support. References [1] A. Elkhatat and S. Al-Muhtaseb. Climate change and energy security: a comparative analysis of the role of energy policies in advancing environmental sustainability. Energies, 17(13):3179, 2024. [2] A. Giedraityte, S. Rimkevicius, M. Marciukaitis, V. Radziukynas, and R. Bakas. Hybrid renewable energy systems—a review of optimization approaches and future challenges. Applied Sciences, 15(4):1–30, 2025. [3] M. P. Bakht, Z. Salam, M. Gul, W. Anjum, M. A. Kamaruddin, N. Khan, and A. L. Bukar. The potential role of hybrid renewable energy system for grid intermittency problem: a technoeconomic optimisation and comparative analysis. Sustainability, 14(21):14045, 2022. [4] M.-J. Williams and C.-K. Chang. The optimal integration of virtual power plants for the South African national grid based on an energy mix as per the integrated resource plan 2019: A review. Energies, 17(24), 2024. [5] F. M¨uller and S. Claar. Auctioning a ‘just energy transition’? South Africa’s renewable energy procurement programme and its implications for transition strategies. Review of African Political Economy, 48(169):333–351, 2021. [6] A. S. Oyewo, A. Aghahosseini, M. Ram, A. Lohrmann, and C. Breyer. Pathway towards achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2050 for South Africa. Solar Energy, 191:549–565, 2019. [7] B. Huybrechts and H. Haugh. The roles of networks in institutionalizing new hybrid organizational forms: Insights from the European renewable energy cooperative network. Organization Studies, 39(8):1085–1108, 2018. [8] Y. Ye and S. F. Koch. Towards accessibility or affordability? multidimensional energy poverty across the south African urban–rural divide. Energy Research & Social Science, 97:103002, 2023. [9] R. Amin, D. Mathur, D. Ompong, and K. K. Zander. Integrating social aspects into energy system modelling through the lens of public perspectives: A review. Energies, 17(23):1–33, 2024. [10] A. M. Levenda, I. Behrsin, and F. Disano. Renewable energy for whom? A global systematic review of the environmental justice implications of renewable energy technologies. Energy Research & Social Science, 71:101837, 2021. [11] J. C. Stephens. Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy. Island Press, 2020. [12] N. H. M. Tambi, H. N. Afrouzi, K. Mehranzamir, and J. Ahmed. A review of available hybrid renewable energy systems in Malaysia. International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems, 11(1), 2020. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. 10s (2025) 3443 https://internationalpubls.com [13] I. M. Smarte Anekwe, S. O. Akpasi, M. M. Mkhize, H. Zhou, R. T. Moyo, and L. Gaza. Renewable energy investments in south africa: Potentials and challenges for a sustainable transition–a review. Science Progress, 107(2):00368504241237347, 2024. [14] J. L. Holechek, H. M. Geli, M. N. Sawalhah, and R. Valdez. A global assessment: Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels by 2050? Sustainability, 14(8):4792, 2022. [15] M. Stefanides. Renewable power generation costs in 2020: Cost declines and record capacity additions, 2021. Tuesday, 22 June 2021, 14:00–14:30 CEST. [16] J. E. G. Baquero and D. B. Monsalve. From fossil fuel energy to hydrogen energy: Transformation of fossil fuel energy economies into hydrogen economies through social entrepreneurship. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 54:574–585, 2024. [17] M. Laimon and T. Yusaf. Towards energy freedom: Exploring sustainable solutions for energy independence and self-sufficiency using integrated renewable energy-driven hydrogen system. Renewable Energy, 222:119948, 2024. [18] B. Lennon, N. P. Dunphy, and E. Sanvicente. Community acceptability and the energy transition: A citizens’ perspective. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 9(1):1–18, 2019. [19] T. Helms, S. Salm, and R. Wustenhagen. Investor-specific cost of capital and renewable energy investment decisions. In Renewable Energy Finance: Funding the Future of Energy, pages 85– 111. World Scientific, 2020. [20] D. Asija and R. Viral. Renewable energy integration in modern deregulated power system: challenges, driving forces, and lessons for future road map. In Advances in Smart Grid Power System, pages 365–384. Elsevier, 2021. [21] L. Sign´e and C. Johnson. Africa’s mining potential: Trends, opportunities, challenges and strategies. Policy Paper, 21(10):2022–01, 2021. [22] I. Sorrenti, T. B. H. Rasmussen, S. You, and Q. Wu. The role of power-to-x in hybrid renewable energy systems: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 165:112380, 2022. [23] T. B. Nkwanyana, M. W. Siti, Z. Wang, I. Toudjeu, N. T. Mbungu, and W. Mulumba. An assessment of hybrid-energy storage systems in the renewable environments. Journal of Energy Storage, 72:108307, 2023.