All posts: Energy


News & Analysis Array of rooftop solar panels

Evidence shows an additional 5 GW of renewable capacity could all but end load shedding and its associated socio-economic damage.

News & Analysis Electricity pylon and power plant air pollution

To address the power and climate crises, massive investments in transmission infrastructure and renewables are needed over the coming years.

Explainer Photograph of a gas meter that measures consumption in cubic metres. A white person's right hand is touching the meter at the point where the numbers are going up, perhaps to convey the idea that the person is worried about their gas consumption. There is a thick layer of dust on the meter.

The place of natural gas in a clean energy future is hotly debated. But, there is a simple answer to whether natural gas is renewable.

Explainer City road with buildings and cars

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is promoted as a cleaner fuel alternative, but also comes with risks to the climate and health.

Explainer Aerial view of solar panels

While fossil fuel prices soar, solar is the solution to affordable energy security, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Explainer

Analysts agree that natural gas is too risky for South Africa, and it is not needed for the energy transition from coal to clean.

Explainer Photograph of a river where the water has an orange/red colour because of high iron content

The link between coal, gas and water pollution is clear, but the extraction and use of fossil fuels affect ecosystems in many less obvious ways as well.

Explainer Aerial photograph of rooftop solar panels at sunset

Renewable energy investment could go a long way to filling the gaps caused by retiring coal-fired power plants and would reduce the need for load shedding.

News & Analysis Wide shot of generic coal power station spewing toxic chemicals into the air

Mpumalanga province is not typically known for wind and solar generation, but there are major advantages to encroaching on coal country.

Explainer Silhouette of coal mining tower against pink sky

Coal is the world’s dirtiest energy. A just transition from coal mining will profoundly benefit people and the environment.

News & Analysis Close-up of petrol pumps dispending Shell fuel. A white person's right arm in a purple sleeve is holding the pump on the left.

South Africans have welcomed another month of much-needed relief at the petrol pump. But, the diesel price per litre is reversing the trend and has become more expensive. Why?

News & Analysis Looking up an glass wrapped modern office building

Time is running out for owners of large buildings to get official energy ratings.

Explainer

Air pollution is the world’s most critical environmental health risk. South Africa’s use of fossil fuels produces hundreds of millions of tonnes of emissions annually.

Explainer Stock photo of a green plant growing out of a jar of money, to symbolise renewable energy funds

Renewable energy funds are a vital tool for South Africa’s green energy transition. They can pay for everything from infrastructure upgrades to mine rehabilitation.

Explainer Photograph of a small green plant growing out of a jar of coins

COP26 saw South Africa make a public commitment to greening its economy. But, can non-renewable resources be part of this transition?

Explainer Wind turbine on a landscape of grass and trees

Our fossil fuel energy system comes at a massive cost. Climate change is causing extreme temperatures, drought and catastrophic flooding.

Explainer Aerial photo of Cape Town lit up at night

While waiting for government measures to be implemented, many businesses are taking control of their own energy security through investment in solar.

Explainer Photo of Gwede Mantaste, Soutb Africa's Minister for the Department Minerals and Energy Resources

The mission of the Department of Energy is to “regulate and transform the sector for the provision of secure, sustainable and affordable energy”.

Explainer Electricity pylons against landscape

Coal’s dominance in South Africa’s electricity mix – totalling 90 per cent of electricity generation – means the rising price of coal is making bills more expensive.

Explainer Field of solar panels and wind turbines

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is the regulatory body for the country’s energy industries. It regulates the electricity, gas and petroleum pipeline industries.