Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kristin Engel
Published on 2024-03-05 22:03:21
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe delivered a keynote speech at the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town, addressing concerns about South Africa running out of natural gas in 2026 when Sasol’s supply from Mozambique ends. He assured that alternative plans were in place to prevent a shortage, including negotiating with the Mozambican government on gas molecules trading and signing a memorandum of understanding. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, along with the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources, formed a task team to ensure business continuity and job preservation. Mantashe also mentioned the upcoming Gas Master Plan to be presented to Cabinet this month. Additionally, through the Central Energy Fund, the government signed a gas sales agreement with Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos in Mozambique to secure a supply of natural gas.
During the Africa Gas Forum at the indaba, stakeholders highlighted challenges regarding clean fuels, infrastructure, and development that have hindered progress in the gas sector in Africa. Concerns were raised about the development of new legislation and unlocking the domestic gas supply in South Africa by the Onshore Petroleum Association. Protesters from Extinction Rebellion and the Green Connection demonstrated against gas projects, emphasizing the need for a speedy transition to renewable energy to tackle climate change effectively. They debunked myths surrounding the environmental impact, economic benefits, and necessity of gas in the current energy landscape.
The International Energy Agency has recognized natural gas as a transition fuel from coal to renewable energy but emphasized the need for alternative solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Extinction Rebellion spokesperson, Judy Scott-Goldman, highlighted the misinformation about gas and its impact on climate change, advocating for a shift to renewables. She cited the Presidential Climate Commission’s recommendations to prioritize renewable energy over gas as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for South Africa’s energy needs.
Dr. Musa Manzi from Wits Seismic Research Centre discussed the challenges of relying solely on renewables due to the shortage of critical metals required for manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels. He emphasized the need for a balanced energy mix to meet the country’s energy demands effectively. The protesters also addressed the environmental risks associated with methane emissions from gas production, challenging the perception that gas is a clean and climate-friendly fuel.
In response to the protests, Minister Mantashe defended the development of gas projects and encouraged continued growth in the energy sector. He highlighted the importance of balancing economic development with environmental concerns and addressed the need for sustainable solutions to meet South Africa’s energy needs. The ongoing debate surrounding the use of gas as a transition fuel versus a renewable energy source reflects the broader discussions on climate change mitigation and energy sustainability in the region.
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