Mineral resources and energy minister Gwede Mantashe has unveiled a new Gas Master Plan for South Africa, seeking public input. The plan aims to integrate gas into the nation’s energy mix and outlines various strategies to enhance gas supplies based on demand scenarios, including new gas infrastructure and converting Eskom’s retiring power stations to gas. The initiative seeks to establish a natural gas economy that is attractive to investors and to ensure a smooth transition and business continuity while minimising potential job losses in the energy sector. The plan encompasses upstream, midstream and downstream gas components, addressing policy direction, supply options, infrastructure development and environmental protection. Approved by the cabinet in March 2024, stakeholders and industry experts are now invited to comment before 15 June 2024.
