-
Energy Minister outlines intervention objectives
- There has been an increase in load shedding in recent times
The South African Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe has outlined the interventions of the Ministry in curbing the rampant electricity shortages in the country which has seen an increase in load shedding due to inadequate capacity in the sector.
Mr. Mantashe attended the mini plenary of the National Assembly where he discussed the budget of the Ministry. He outlined the interventions undertaken by the Ministry some of which include, the connection of 1,200 megawatts to the grid from projects signed under bid window 4 of the IPP Programme, amendment and gazetting of Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act to accommodate an increase in the threshold for registering embedded generation from 1 to 10 megawatts.
“We have also noted with delight that the mining industry is also taking steps towards self-generation which is in support of our initiatives, to this extent Goldfields will soon commence with the construction of its licenced 40 megawatts” he added.
The Minister also noted the efforts of the Ministry in diversifying its energy mix. He said ”we are committed to a just transition and have begun investing in clean technologies to ensure that we transition from a high to low carbon economy while ensuring the security of energy supply”.