- South Africa fast-tracks a 3GW gas power to tackle the energy deficit.
- South Africa focuses on cleaner gas-fired power to replace ageing coal-fired plants at ESKOM.
South Africa is tackling its energy deficit with a swift move towards 3 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired power, according to the electricity minister. Frequent breakdowns at ESKOM, the state power utility, cause daily power shortages, prompting officials to call for up to 6 GW of new capacity. The government’s plan involves a 2 GW mobile facility and a 1 GW plant near Coega in the eastern Cape.
A key focus is developing around 3,000 megawatts of gas-fired power, as it emits fewer pollutants compared to coal. Initially, environmental groups opposed the government’s 3 GW gas-fired power plant plan in Richards Bay on the East Coast, pushing for faster adoption of renewable energy projects in line with the global shift away from fossil fuels.
Additionally, South Africa aims to extend the life of its 40-year-old 1.94 GW nuclear plants by another twenty years beyond their scheduled shutdown next year. These actions reflect the government’s commitment to resolving energy challenges and bolstering economic stability in Africa’s most advanced economy.