The nation has vowed to gradually phase out coal-powered plants and seek renewable energy as a major means to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

During Xi's visit last year, which was his fourth state visit to South Africa as China's president, he stressed intensifying bilateral cooperation in various areas, including energy, for mutual benefits. As the first African country to join the Belt and Road Initiative, South Africa signed a new agreement with China during the visit to enhance cooperation under the initiative.

Nandu Bhula, CEO of the Redstone project, said South Africa-China cooperation in energy under the BRI, which was proposed by President Xi in 2013, has strengthened over the past few years and benefited both sides.