Gas ‘is a game changer’ for SA

Mineral resources and energy minister Gwede Mantashe says his department will table a framework plan soon as well as legislative amendments to support the gas industry.

Mantashe sees gas as an energy “game changer” . The Integrated Resource Plan, the long-term energy planning tool, sets out a role for gas from 2024, with new gas to power plants and converting Eskom diesel turbines to gas. Gas is seen as an integral complement to renewable energy to provide base load and boost peak-time capacity.

At the Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, Mantashe urged investors to pursue opportunities in the proposed liquefied natural gas hub at Coega, Eastern Cape. He said the government wanted the hub completed as soon as possible.

“The framework for supporting this major programme will be announced by the department in the near term. Linked to this is an amendment to the Gas Act of 2001, which we will be tabling in cabinet soon.

“On the upstream industry, work is under way on the Petroleum Resources Development Bill,” he said.