Kusile coal-fired power station
Can gas solve South Africa’s power crisis?
Domestic production and LNG imports are on the table as the country seeks to restore energy security
South Africa can no longer keep the lights on. Lengthy power cuts, known locally as ‘load shedding’, have become a fact of life as the country’s ageing coal-fired power stations increasingly break down. The situation prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a “state of disaster” in February. “The impact of load shedding is disastrous for our economy,” says Adrian Strydom, CEO of the South African Oil & Gas Alliance, an industry lobby group. The country is importing ZAR3bn ($155mn) in diesel per month, he says, as the beleaguered population resorts to expensive and polluting generators. “Delays in introducing a clear governing framework complicates taking investment decisions w
Also in this section
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security
24 April 2026
The European Commission’s response to the Middle East crisis is to double down on its transition strategy, with plans for a new target on electrification
24 April 2026
A major new discovery by Eni and BP that can likely be fast-tracked to production is welcome news for Egypt as it scrambles to plug a widening supply gap and deal with rising import risks
24 April 2026
Countries in the region are turning to the cleaner-burning fuel for power generation, driving demand for imports
