Eskom, South Africa's electricity public utility, is evaluating a plan to sell surplus daytime electricity to Bitcoin mining companies, as the rapid adoption of rooftop solar systems reshapes the country's power demand profile. During the Biznews Conference 2026 in Hermanus, Eskom chairman Mteto Nyati revealed that the utility is exploring ways to monetize excess power generated during the middle of the day, when solar panels are producing at peak capacity but grid demand is at its lowest.
According to local reporting, Nyati described a predictable pattern: early morning demand spikes as households prepare for work and businesses open, followed by a significant drop in grid demand as solar generation ramps up. This leaves Eskom with unused capacity. He said the utility is looking at creative ways to use that capacity, and one option under review is offering discounted electricity to Bitcoin mining companies operating in South Africa.
Bitcoin mining runs large data centers that perform energy-intensive computations to secure the Bitcoin network. Nyati noted that this industry, which did not exist two decades ago, now represents a growing source of global electricity consumption. Selling excess electricity to miners could generate revenue for Eskom from power that would otherwise go unused during solar-heavy hours.
Opportunities from Bitcoin mining in South Africa
The proposal builds on earlier comments from Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, who said the state-owned utility is examining opportunities tied to Bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and large-scale data centers. These sectors require large, continuous electricity supplies and could provide new demand for Eskom's generation fleet.
Nyati framed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to adapt to structural changes in South Africa's electricity market. The country's power sector is opening to private investment, allowing independent companies to build generation capacity and compete in electricity distribution. At the same time, rising rooftop solar adoption is shifting demand away from the national grid. Nyati said Eskom must adapt to remain viable in a more competitive environment.
Alongside new revenue strategies, Eskom is pursuing cost reductions. Nyati said the utility plans to eliminate about R112 billion (approximately $6 billion) in expenses over the next five years. Reducing those costs could help lower electricity prices for households and energy-intensive industries such as mining and smelting.
Despite the changes in the energy landscape, Nyati argued that South Africa still needs a strong national utility. He said Eskom's coal and nuclear power stations provide the base-load electricity required to support industrial growth and economic development. The proposal to supply discounted electricity to Bitcoin miners reflects how utilities are beginning to treat flexible energy consumers as tools for balancing supply and demand in an evolving power system.