Energy

With the most energy-intensive economy on the continent, South Africa has undergone a spate of load shedding in recent years as demand for electricity continues to outstrip supply. While faltering output and poorly maintained infrastructure have had an adverse effect on the country’s economic performance, a range of government initiatives – notably the country’s independent power producer (IPP) bidding programme – should help strengthen long-term output and reduce the risk of volatility. As the country searches to find short-term solutions to plug power gaps in the national grid, policy implementation and a renewed focus on bringing the Medupi, Kusile and Ingula plants on-line will help to accelerate IPP programmes, curb load shedding and stabilise the broader power sector.

This chapter contains an interview with Brian Molefe, Group CEO, Eskom.