Caspian Energy (CE): What do you consider to be the most pressing issues in RSA’s energy sector at the moment?
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of the Republic of South Africa: Our pre-occupation is with energy security - ensuring that energy is consistently available, both for industry and for society at large, to drive growth and prosperity. Secondly, it must be cost-effective so that, regardless of social status, it remains affordable.
CE: What energy resources play a key role in ensuring RSA’s energy security?
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa: We are well endowed with most sources of energy, ranging from Renewable Energy (wind and solar) to fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and crude oil) and uranium. Unfortunately, we have not utilized our indigenous hydrocarbons to the extent that we should and can.
CE: How is the transition to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, progressing?
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa: We have made tremendous progress in this area over the years and more is still anticipated. Having inaugurated our Renewable Energy Procurement Programme in 2011, we are just shy 10GW of capac
ity installed in the public procurement and about 15GW altogether, considering what is done privately. We are now experiencing the same bottlenecks of congestion that are also experienced by Europe and the rest of the world.
CE: How do you assess the current state of the country’s electricity grid infrastructure and its investment attractiveness? What kinds of upgrade are necessary?
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa: I have stated earlier that we are experiencing congestion in the grid. A particular focus has been dedicated to resolving this challenge. The business case for investment is strong, given what has been demonstrated in Renewable Energy Procurement Programme that the Department conducts. Generally it is a network expansion drive that we are undertaking, particularly in areas that have superb renewable energy resources.
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