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

While the world plans for a future without gas, an upsurge in new gas projects in South Africa is likely a “costly mistake”.

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

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.

Despite South Africa’s abundant renewable resources, the government is also planning to increase gas in the country’s energy mix. The plan includes extracting shale gas.

There is no fracking in South Africa at the moment. This is due to a court ruling overturning the government’s fracking regulations brought by activists.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of drilling into the earth to inject rocks deep underground with water, chemicals or sand to reach oil or natural gas deposits.

The South African government has plans to generate more electricity with natural gas.