Kusile coal-fired power station
Can gas solve South Africa’s power crisis?
Domestic production and LNG imports are on the table as the country seeks to restore energy security
South Africa can no longer keep the lights on. Lengthy power cuts, known locally as ‘load shedding’, have become a fact of life as the country’s ageing coal-fired power stations increasingly break down. The situation prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a “state of disaster” in February. “The impact of load shedding is disastrous for our economy,” says Adrian Strydom, CEO of the South African Oil & Gas Alliance, an industry lobby group. The country is importing ZAR3bn ($155mn) in diesel per month, he says, as the beleaguered population resorts to expensive and polluting generators. “Delays in introducing a clear governing framework complicates taking investment decisions w
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
