Innovation and Patents in South Africa’s Renewable Sector

South Africa is embracing innovation in its shift toward renewable energy. This article explores how patents, government initiatives, and global IP support are driving sustainable growth in the country’s evolving energy landscape.

The global transition to renewable energy sources is largely dependent on state-of-the-art technology and a shared international commitment to sustainability. Intellectual property (IP) rights become increasingly important— both in fostering the creation of innovations and ensuring their effective implementation. Many countries are brimming with ideas to reduce our environmental impact, and South Africa is no exception.

Patents play a central role in protecting inventions, as seen in the wind turbine industry, where numerous patents safeguard various aspects of design, manufacturing, and operation. Similarly, the electric vehicle industry witnesses patenting activity across batteries, motors, controllers, and charging infrastructure.

South Africa’s current energy sources remains dominated by hard coal, which provides more than half of the country’s primary energy. However, since 2003, South Africa has taken steps to mainstream renewable energy and harness its substantial clean energy potential—including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. 

Though historically reliant on fossil fuels, the South African government has, over the past decade, invested heavily in renewable energy generation, primarily through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). This initiative aims to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce reliance on coal. 

The South African government has made its intention clear by aiming to support renewable energy more widely, with 42% (17,800 MW) of new generation capacity added between 2011 and 2030 coming from renewables. 

South Africa is also part of the WIPO Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), which aims to support inventors and small businesses with resources to transform their innovations into commercial assets. The IAP connects selected beneficiaries with volunteer patent attorneys or agents, offering free guidance through the patenting process. Other countries in the programme include Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The programme benefits from a global network of volunteers who provide patent drafting and prosecution services on a pro bono basis, both locally and across selected jurisdictions. By transforming ideas into protected commercial assets, the IAP helps innovators gain control over their inventions and make informed decisions about who can use, make, or sell them. Patents can also attract investors and partners—or be sold or licensed to generate income.

Over the past two centuries, rapid industrialisation has transformed modern life, from instant communication to global travel. However, these carbon-intensive advances have come at a steep environmental cost. Climate change and environmental degradation now threaten the very progress they enabled. Fortunately, the rise of green technology— particularly renewable energy—offers a path toward balancing industrial growth with sustainable living.