Energy

With an estimated 3.5% of global coal reserves, South Africa has traditionally benefitted from an ample supply of cheap fuel. It has the fifth most energy-intensive economy in the world, accounting for 30% of total power consumption in Africa. South Africa generates 94% of its electricity from coal. BP estimates that its coal reserves will last for at least another century at...

One of the boldest moves outlined in South Africa’s longterm energy strategy is a major nuclear expansion programme, originally proposed in the 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) published in 2010. The original IRP calls for the construction of an additional 9600 MW of nuclear baseload generation capacity by 2029, equivalent to 23% of projected total energy demand, which...

The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) launched by the Department of Energy (DoE) in 2011 is key to achieving South Africa’s target of 42% renewable energy consumption by 2030. The scheme is bringing generation capacity, private sector participation and competition to a fossil fuel-reliant electricity market long dominated by a state-...

Industrial action has become an annual event for a number of South African sectors, leading to what is referred to as “strike season” during the second and third quarters of the year. In the mining sector, particularly in the platinum industry, the last couple of years have seen an escalation in terms of the size and scope of labour unrest, which could have significant...