South Africa cannot continue to depend on coal and Eskom to meet its ever-increasing power demand. That’s the view of experts at the 20th Africa Energy Forum held in Mauritius.
They say the release of the Integrated Energy Plan later this year should see the country moving towards renewable energy as a new reliable source.
South Africa’s energy business has gone through turbulent times in recent years. With the country’s power utility Eskom under severe strain.
There has also been much debate around coal-fired power stations. Around 80 % of the country’s electricity is generated from coal.
But despite the challenges, industry leaders believe the country will make a turnaround. With government’s commitment to renewable energy seen as a positive step.
Some believe wind, solar and gas energy storage are the right energy mix for the country.
Delegates say Eskom’s role needs to be limited.
And although some experts believe in an integrated power supply system, others feel that each country needs to be self-sufficient and avoid dependency which could leave them in the dark.
