South Africa explores gas-fired power generation to address energy crisis

• 5 months ago (2023-11-06)
• David Flin

Africa 303 Gas 371

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South Africa is intensifying efforts to address its energy deficit by accelerating plans for 3 GW of gas-fired power generation.

Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, South Africa’s electricity minister, highlighted the urgency of the situation, citing the negative impact of power cuts on the economy. He said that the country needs approximately 6 GW of new generating capacity to put an end to the rolling blackouts.

As part of the government’s strategy to increase power generation, a 2 GW mobile facility and a 1 GW plant near Coega in the Eastern Cape are being considered. The procurement stage for these projects is already underway.

In addition to exploring gas-fired power generation and renewable energy sources, South Africa is also seeking to extend the lifespan of its 40-year-old 1.94 GW Koeberg nuclear power plant. The government aims to operate the facility for an additional 20 years beyond its original scheduled shutdown next year.