ICYMI: “Electricity crisis is a global phenomenon” – Mantashe

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe says that the electricity crisis is a ‘global phenomenon’ and that South Africans should be mindful of this.

Mantashe says South Africans see themselves as an ‘island’

On Thursday, 22 September, the Minister signed three project agreements that form part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). 

According to The Citizen, Mantashe noted the mood of South Africans who are upset with the ongoing load shedding that changes and escalates without prior notice. Speaking about South Africans and the electricity crisis, Mantashe said locals see themselves as ‘an island’.

“When you explain the crisis to society, South Africans see themselves as an island when the electricity crisis is a global phenomenon,” said Mantashe.

Europes coal orders from Mzansi have increased by 720%

He noted that Europe’s coal orders from SA have increased by 720% explaining that they are also experiencing their own load shedding.

Mantashe also restated his position on scaling down coal systematically. The Minister emphasised that moving away from coal in a ‘reckless’ way could cause a disaster. In terms of a green transition, Mantashe said Europe accepted gas and nuclear power as part of theirs.

He explained that South Africa could not be left behind.

“The energy availability factor of renewables, coal and nuclear are not the same. Renewables are 30% at best until a sustainable battery support system is found. Coal is at 70% plus, and nuclear at 80% plus, so that combination is what we need for our country to prosper,” said Mantashe.

Stage 5 load shedding will be with us until the weekend

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that Eskom announced that Stage 5 load shedding would continue until Saturday morning in a statement late on Thursday afternoon, 22 September.

The beleaguered parastatal offered no reason for the prolonged Stage 5 load shedding. However, it said it would publish a full statement on Friday afternoon, which will outline the power cuts for South Africa over the weekend and for the week ahead.

Stage 5 load shedding is expected to come to an end at 5:00 on Saturday morning, 24 September. Read the full story here.