South Africa’s electricity sector is undergoing a significant transformation. As the country advances the power sector reform and prepares for a more competitive electricity market, strengthening regulatory capacity and international cooperation is becoming increasingly important.
In this context, a delegation from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) participated in a multi-country study tour to Denmark, Germany and Norway. The German leg (February 19 – 24, 2026) of the study tour was organised under the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The programme provided an opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange with german institutions that have navigated similar regulatory and market reforms.
Learning from International Experience
International study tours play an important role in supporting countries undergoing complex structural reforms, particularly in the energy sector where regulatory and market transformations evolve over many years. Through direct engagement with policymakers, regulators and industry representatives, participants gain practical insights into how other countries have addressed similar challenges.
The German leg of the programme began in Berlin and focused on key aspects of electricity market design, regulatory frameworks and the integration of renewable energy into power systems. The delegation met with the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) to learn about the functioning of Germany’s liberalised electricity market and the role of industry associations in regulatory processes.
At 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, one of Germany’s transmission system operators, discussions explored grid expansion, system stability and the integration of renewable energy in an increasingly interconnected European power system. The programme also included a visit to Futurium, where participants reflected on how technology, sustainability and society intersect in shaping future energy systems.
Regulatory Insights for South Africa’s Reform Journey
Further engagements in Berlin and Bonn focused on regulatory governance and institutional frameworks. At the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, discussions explored regulatory approaches supporting energy transition policies and electricity market liberalisation.
The delegation also engaged with Germany’s federal regulator, the Bundesnetzagentur, gaining insights into its institutional structure, mandate and supervisory functions. Topics discussed included unbundling as a foundation for market liberalisation, wholesale market supervision, tariff regulation and approaches to grid expansion.
An exchange with the GET.transform project at the GIZ Campus Bonn highlighted international technical assistance approaches that support partner countries in developing conducive policy and investment frameworks for energy sector transformation. The programme concluded with discussions at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), reflecting on opportunities for continued collaboration.
Peer Learning for a Just Energy Transition
South Africa’s ongoing electricity sector reform (including the unbundling of Eskom and the gradual liberalisation of the electricity market) represents a fundamental step towards building a more resilient, competitive and sustainable power system. Achieving these reforms requires strong regulatory institutions, transparent governance frameworks and sustained collaboration between stakeholders.
International exchanges such as this study tour enable regulators to learn directly from the experiences of their peers; including both successes and challenges encountered along the way. At the same time, participants recognised that there is no universal blueprint for energy sector reform. Each country must adapt international lessons to its own institutional, economic and social context.
By fostering dialogue between regulators, policymakers and industry actors, the study tour contributes to strengthening long-term partnerships between South Africa and Germany. These exchanges support the development of regulatory frameworks that enable a secure, affordable and sustainable electricity system in support of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
