Question NW2626 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
28 December 2021 - NW2626
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether, following the community protests against the exploration of the Wild Coast by Shell, the allegations that his department granted Shell the authorisation to proceed despite scientific warnings that such an exploration would affect marine life in the area and the call for the move towards green energy, his department will consider reviewing its decision and put measures in place to protect our environment instead; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
It is worth noting that the development of the upstream oil and gas industry is part of South Africa’s economic recovery strategy. Indigenous production of oil and gas will support the country’s energy security and provide an opportunity for local beneficiation of oil and gas. The IRP2019 has a large renewable energy build programme which needs to be supported by gas-to-power to ensure stability of the electricity grid. It would therefore be an added benefit to the economy if the gas to be used in the gas- to-power programme is indigenous gas.
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