Large-scale, frequently-used gas-fired power is not the right option to solve South Africa's energy woes, writes Richard Halsey. | Fin24
Karpowership is fuming. And not because it is burning gas.
At the heart of the problem with the proposed Karpowership deals is the requirement that state-owned utility Eskom—and by extension the consumer—would need to pay for at least 50% of available power each year, for 20 years. This is a far cry from the intended role of gas to balance renewable energy when there is reduced sun or wind.What’s more, such high utilisation rates of the proposed Karpowership plants are a massive red flag, as is the type of other gas plants being planned in South Africa.
A recent analysis by Meridian Economics shows that there is no climate change or economic justification for building large gas-to-power plants in South Africa that run as frequently as Karpowership’s floating generators. In fact, their research found that"forcing in large-scale gas will displace renewables, increase emissions and cost of electricity". This is particularly important—big gas ambitions will actually do the opposite of its intended role in South Africa’s energy transition.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development recommended in March that the government hold off on gas-to-power investment for now, and rather focus on areas where there is already consensus to improve electricity supply. The IISD view is based on the rapidly changing technology options, increasing climate change pressure, and the state of development of the South African power system—which has no existing gas-to-power infrastructure and only a tiny proportion of renewable energy.
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