South African Government Information 20 September 2012.
Following the recent Cabinet approval and release of the report looking into the issues around the exploration for Shale Gas, the Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, met with representatives of Earthlife Africa Cape Town to discuss the issues of energy and shale gas.
Initiated by the Minister, the meeting was cordial and robust, and provided an opportunity for the parties to express their understanding and concerns with regards the issues around the exploration for Shale Gas. The Minister explained Cabinets decision and it’s significance to her portfolio as Minister of Energy.
She explained that her mandate requires her to ensure security of supply of energy for all South Africans. Thus, her department has prioritised the implementation of the energy mix as envisaged in the Integrated Resource Plan which caters for the usage of fossil as well as renewable and alternative sources.
Represented by Mr Muna Lakhani and Ms Marina Louw, Earthlife Africa Cape Town’s concerns revolved around issues regarding water constraints, the need for the aggressive introduction of all forms of renewable energy technologies into the energy mix, and the implementation of sustainable energy poverty alleviation strategies that will serve the interests of the poorest of the poor.
In her response to these concerns the Minister reminded the meeting that this government comes from the poorest of the poor – 30% of whom currently live in energy poverty. She pointed out that government is very concerned to ensure that exploration for Shale Gas is carried out in the most environmentally safe manner.
Thus, the National Environmental Act will serve to ensure that all the necessary precautions are adhered to in order to protect the environment for the good of all. Minister Peters also pointed out that government is in the process of augmenting the regulatory framework to mitigate against any negatives associated with shale gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing.
Concluding the meeting, the parties agreed that this was a necessary meeting which has helped to establish the concerns and priorities of both parties, and that there needs to be further platforms for engagement and sharing on the salient issues. Minister Peters confirmed her willingness to engage interested stakeholders on issues of shale gas as they pertain to energy, and was encouraged by Earthlife Africa Cape Town’s response.
Issued by: Department of Energy
20 Sep 2012
(Editor’s note: The Integrated Energy Plan, IEP, should be guiding our primary energy choices, not the IRP. The sooner the IEP is completed the better!)
Electricity Governance Initiative - South Africa 