South Africa government promotes gas and renewables in energy future

The Department of Energy’s release on 22 November of the long-awaited draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and Integrated Energy Plan opens the way for further debate about South Africa’s energy future. The plans give prominence to renewables and gas, and may further build confidence by pushing back timetables for a nuclear new-build, rather than committing huge and controversial spending in the coming two decades. The announcement comes at a tumultuous time for Eskom, which is leaderless following chief executive Brian Molefe’s departure, while tensions between the state utility, government, and private sector interests remain unresolved.