The Department of Energy intends to start a process this month to procure 800 megawatts of cogeneration to be followed by 2500 megawatts of coal generation in May.
With regard to the review of the Integrated Resource Plan 2010, Martins indicated that the review process was ongoing.
Having concluded the public consultation process, the Department of Energy will now consult with other departments before a final decision on the review of the IRP 2010 is made. The revised IRP will be issued in the second semester of 2014.
The Department of Energy is exploring measures to increase the uptake and usage of gas in the economy, given the potential relating to shale gas exploitation to make us energy independent.
Gas will also help reduce the current demand on the electricity grid.
The master plan includes infrastructure development options, including pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals, the creation of an enabling environment for the interconnection with neighbouring countries and the institutional arrangements for managing our gas resources in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Gas Utilisation Master Plan will become available in May 2014 for public consultation. The finalisation of this process will go a long way to increase the uptake and usage of gas in South Africa.
