The role of natural gas in the current energy transition: A South African Focus

Abstract

Africa’s growing urban populations and industrialisation mean rapid growth in energy demand. Natural gas is facing a potential turning point in Africa. There have been major discoveries in recent years in East Africa, Egypt, West Africa, and South Africa. Natural gas has the potential to mitigate Africa’s energy challenges and stimulate economic growth with increased use. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the role that natural gas plays as an energy accelerator in the current energy transition of South Africa. South Africa has an energy crisis with increased stages of possible load shedding, and commitments to reduce CO2 emissions. South Africa’s electricity mainly depends on coal-based energy through its primary electricity supplier Eskom. For South Africa to adapt to a more diverse energy mix and to enlarge the role of natural gas has not been studied, infrastructure forms a large part of the strategy to grow and transform. However, the natural gas infrastructure of South Africa is underdeveloped and limited but its neighbouring countries, Mozambique and Namibia, have discovered large natural gas reserves that could be accessed to supply South Africa with natural gas. This qualitative research study used semi-structured online interviews of 17 participants with industry-specific experience and knowledge. A thematic analysis affirmed that natural gas could serve as a bridge between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy solutions. However, the current underdeveloped natural gas infrastructure imposes limitations. The underdeveloped natural gas infrastructure is mainly due to three causes, limited government support, access to funding and investment, and the supply of natural gas