Gas Pressure: Exploring the case for gas-fired power in South Africa
-
In South Africa, renewables are cheaper than gas for bulk electricity supply, and energy storage has dropped enough in price to displace gas for peaking power too.
-
Government must hold off on developing gas-fired power and urgently boost renewables and energy storage.
-
The South African power system can be developed so that gas supply is not needed until 2035, if ever.
The Gas Pressure report looks at whether South Africa should consider building gas-fired power stations and associated gas supply infrastructure. The recent disruptive changes in the power sector from technological advances and cost reductions—first in renewable energy and then in energy storage—are challenging the view that gas is still required for a low-carbon energy transition. The report analyzes the status quo of gas development, the risks associated with gas, the improvements in alternatives to gas, and whether gas is necessary in the power sector before 2035, if ever. Recommendations are made for short-term priorities to address the constrained national power system.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
Investing in Gas-Fired Power Would Likely be a ‘Costly Mistake’ for South Africa
There is no need for South Africa to invest in a gas-to-power sector at this time and pushing ahead with such plans could negatively impact the country’s economy and climate, according to a new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) released today.
South Africa’s Energy Subsidies Tripled Since 2017, Hitting ZAR 172 Billion in 2020
Energy subsidies in South Africa more than tripled between FY2017 and FY2020 to ZAR 172 billion (USD 10.4 billion), with the highest subsidies allocated to fossil fuels, according to a new report.
South Africa's Energy Fiscal Policies
A review of the system of energy subsidies and taxes in South Africa to assess their alignment with the energy transition.
Municipal Electricity Generation a Step in the Right Direction
In a new report, researchers look at how different business models might increase the share of renewable energy in South Africa’s electricity sector.