South Africa’s energy minister, Jeff Radebe, has highlighted the importance for the country to consider all energy sources available in the country’s future energy plans.
“During the energy planning process, we therefore cannot discriminate against or favour any particular energy carriers,” said Radebe.
SAnews cited Radebe stating that it cannot be ignored South Africa is endowed with abundant coal reserves that come at a cheap price.
“However this is counter-balanced by the high carbon content that coal has, and this cost has been internalised when we analysed policy options where emissions reduction targets and carbon taxes are introduced.
“We have to consider nuclear, and despite its high capital costs, we have not lost sight of the fact that this is a clean energy source that can contribute optimally for electricity generation. We have to consider hydro as well, particularly with respect to Cahora Bassa in Mozambique and [Grand] Inga in the DRC,” he said.
Radebe added that the department of energy has sent out strong signals with regards to the role that renewable energy technology should play in the country’s energy mix.
The Minister’s comments come as power utility Eskom is implementing loadshedding due to shortages in capacity while also battling mounting debt.