South Africa to Consider All Energy Options Available Amid Crisis

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  • SA Energy Minister – South Africa is endowed with abundant coal reserves that come at a cheap price.
  • We have to consider nuclear, and despite its high capital costs, we have not lost sight of the fact that this is a clean energy source that can contribute optimally for electricity generation.
  • We have to consider hydro as well, particularly with respect to Cahora Bassa in Mozambique and [Grand] Inga in the DRC.

South Africaโ€™s energy minister, Jeff Radebe, has highlighted the importance for the country to consider all energy sources available in the country’s future energy plans.

โ€œDuring the energy planning process, we therefore cannot discriminate against or favour any particular energy carriers,โ€ said Radebe.

SAnews cited Radebe stating that it cannot be ignored South Africa is endowed with abundant coal reserves that come at a cheap price.

โ€œHowever this is counter-balanced by the high carbon content that coal has, and this cost has been internalised when we analysed policy options where emissions reduction targets and carbon taxes are introduced.

โ€œWe have to consider nuclear, and despite its high capital costs, we have not lost sight of the fact that this is a clean energy source that can contribute optimally for electricity generation. We have to consider hydro as well, particularly with respect to Cahora Bassa in Mozambique and [Grand] Inga in the DRC,โ€ he said.

Radebe added that the department of energy has sent out strong signals with regards to the role that renewable energy technology should play in the countryโ€™s energy mix.

The Ministerโ€™s comments come as power utility Eskom is implementing loadshedding due to shortages in capacity while also battling mounting debt.

Author: Babalwa Bungane

This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission with minor editorial changes.

 

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