SA to use coal in its energy mix for the foreseeable future: Ramokgopa
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has outlined a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to South Africa's evolving energy policy, emphasising energy security, affordability, sustainability and the continent's potential to play a leading role in the global energy transition.
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Speaking at the Enlit Africa conference on Tuesday, which serves as a platform for the energy industry in Africa, bringing together important stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on energy solutions, Ramokgopa encouraged delegates to move beyond polarised debates about energy sources.
'It's not a question of renewables versus fossil fuels,' he said.
We must adopt an inclusive approach where all energy sources work together to support our development goals.
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
A complex, Afrocentric transition
Ramokgopa situated the energy transition of SA within the broader African context, highlighting what he termed the 'energy quadrilemma', a uniquely African expansion of the traditional 'energy trilemma' which addresses energy security, access and environmental sustainability.
In the African context, he argued, these three elements must be considered alongside the continent's socioeconomic development imperatives.
'We must define a transition that reflects African characteristics. Access to electricity remains a primary issue. Six hundred million people on the continent still live without electricity, which undermines development, healthcare and quality of life.'
He warned that discussions overly focused on environmental sustainability without addressing access and affordability would fail to gain traction in Africa.
'People want to transition from darkness to light. They want reliable, affordable energy first. The source becomes secondary.'
Technology and realism over ideology
Ramokgopa said SA would continue to use coal in its energy mix for the foreseeable future, not out of disregard for climate obligations, but due to economic and infrastructural realities.
Coal will remain the backbone of our energy system. But we are not ignoring our environmental responsibilities.
'We will use technology to reduce emissions from coal-fired power stations, learning from countries like Japan, which have managed to reduce emissions significantly through innovation.'
He explained that South Africa was addressing the emissions problem, not the coal problem, using a 'principle of reality over subtraction'.
Ramokgopa also reaffirmed SA's commitment to renewables, noting that renewable energy is expected to contribute around 80% of an estimated 300 gigawatts of new capacity on the continent. However, he warned of challenges such as the intermittent nature of renewables and grid stability, which will need to be managed through technological innovation and strategic planning.
Public-private partnerships and capital allocation
Ramokgopa identified misalignment in global capital allocation as a key obstacle to Africa's energy development.
'There's a perception that investing in African energy projects is risky, which leads to underinvestment, despite significant potential. This capital misallocation needs urgent correction.'
He said African states often lack the fiscal space to make the large capital investments needed for energy infrastructure.
'We must find innovative ways to stretch our resources and leverage public-private partnerships. The private sector must be part of this journey, especially where sovereign balance sheets are constrained.'
In this light, he acknowledged the importance of foreign partnerships and highlighted Africa's critical minerals, solar potential and access to green hydrogen corridors as valuable bargaining chips in global negotiations.
'When we sit at the table with the West, we must not act like beggars. We have the minerals they need. Let's have robust, mutually beneficial conversations.'
Gas: A destination, not a transition
Challenging prevailing global narratives, Ramokgopa argued that natural gas should not be viewed solely as a transitional fuel. 'In our context, gas is a destination. It complements renewables and provides reliable base load to ensure grid stability.'
He cited the growing energy demand across the continent, expected to triple by 2040, as justification for long-term investment in gas infrastructure.
'Even if Africa brings all its known gas reserves online, we will still only contribute around 3% of global gas emissions. The science does not support claims that African gas development would significantly undermine global climate goals.'
Tackling energy poverty
On the domestic front, the minister spoke about ongoing efforts to address energy poverty in rural and informal settlements. He described the launch of hybrid solar systems and simplified grid connections aimed at reducing the cost of electrification. 'We've brought the per-connection cost down to R29 000 and are working to reduce it further to R25 000.'
These solutions also include public lighting and internet access to support broader social and economic development.
Ramokgopa urged scientists and engineers to continue innovating in ways that would stretch public funds and expand access. 'Help us shift the narrative. Let's find ways to make clean energy more accessible and affordable for the people who need it most.'
A collaborative path forward
In conclusion, the minister stressed the importance of cooperation, across nations, sectors and energy technologies. 'This is not just about South Africa; it's about shaping an African energy narrative that is inclusive, practical and focused on development.'
He called on the international community to support Africa not just with funding but also with fair recognition of the continent's role and priorities in the energy transition.
'We have the sun, the minerals and the ambition. What we need now is partnerships based on equality and shared interests.'
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