Wind and solar energy grew to a record 12 per cent of global electricity generation in 2022, according to a new report by Ember.

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

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.

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.