World Grid Revamp May Raise South Africa Costs, Eskom Chair Says

Global demand for transmission lines will affect the affordability of South Africa’s plan for a 440 billion-rand ($25.4 billion) national power-grid upgrade, according to the chair of the state-owned utility.

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. expects to install 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) of lines over the next decade to connect more renewable-energy plants at a time when the utility is looking to expand a clean-power unit and cut costs overall. Similar grid expansions across the globe to add more wind and solar projects could boost expenses, according to Eskom Chairman Mteto Nyati.