Civil society organisations have condemned the government’s plan to procure 5GW of gas-powered electricity, warning that it risks undermining South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, locks the country into costly, climate-wrecking fossil fuels, and offers little benefit to ordinary citizens.
The organisations said the decision, announced by Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on 7 October, prioritises imported gas and new gas power stations ahead of the cheaper wind, solar, storage and grid investment South Africa urgently needs. They warned that the plan would expose households and businesses to volatile international gas prices, deepen dependence on fossil fuels, and further burden communities already living with pollution, poverty and climate impacts.
The gas plan risks undermining South Africa’s Just Energy Transition by treating gas as a major new power source rather than the limited, low-use peaking support envisaged in official planning.
[QUOTE – Fossil Free SA – Jo-Anne Smetherham]
“New large-gas projects will cost more than cheaper, cleaner renewable energy with storage as a source of bulk electricity. Electricity is an economic enabler, so the government should be prioritising affordable, cleaner electricity that enables people to create additional livelihoods.”
Prioritise wind and solar with storage – not gas
The civil society groups welcomed the plans for battery storage, but questioned why the first major procurement round under the Integrated Resource Plan 2025 includes large-scale gas while excluding new wind and solar.
[QUOTE – The Green Connection / Lisa Makaula]
“Government is right that SA needs more storage and grid capacity. But evidence does not support delaying wind and solar. Good governance remains an important factor in ensuring benefits reach communities through socially owned renewable programmes. Further investments in fossil fuel-related infrastructure risk the country having stranded assets in future.”
[QUOTE – 350.org South Africa / Ferron Pedro]
"South Africans are still paying for the costly failures of Medupi and Kusile coal-fired power stations that ran billions over budget. Now, rather than investing in affordable renewable energy, battery storage and a stronger grid, government wants to lock us into expensive imported gas - exposing all of us to rising international gas prices and further climate disaster. We refuse to let decisions that threaten our energy future, our climate and our cost of living, be made in our name behind closed doors. The people most affected must have a meaningful say."
[QUOTE – Centre for Environmental Rights /Dr Jonty Cogger]
“Using the gas cliff as justification for building large-scale gas-to-power infrastructure without fully assessing the risks and cost implications is not the right solution for South Africa’s energy future. In fact, it risks locking the country into decades of dependence on another polluting, expensive, and unreliable energy source..”
The civil society groups warned that LNG is bought in global markets priced in dollars. A rise in international gas prices, shipping costs or the exchange rate could be passed directly to South African electricity users.
Methane makes gas a climate problem
The organisations rejected the frequent claim that gas is a clean “transition fuel.” Methane, the main component of natural gas, is a powerful greenhouse gas: over the first 20 years, it is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the planet.
The civil society groups said the next two decades are precisely the period in which emissions must fall steeply to limit dangerous climate tipping points.
[QUOTE – Fossil Free South Africa / Jo-Anne Smetherham]
“Government cannot call gas clean while ignoring methane. Every leak along the supply chain shifts costs onto communities and future generations.”
Communities must not be an afterthought
The organisations also criticised South Africa’s refusal to join the Global Methane Pledge. They said this leaves the country without the international commitment and scrutiny needed to control methane from oil, gas and coal operations.
[QUOTE- SAFCEI- Ntombizodidi Mapapu]
“Gas is a costly, polluting fossil fuel that continues to threaten the environment and energy affordability for vulnerable households, and risks long-term climate damage. True energy security and a just transition require inclusive, transparent, people-centered planning focused on accessible, affordable, clean, and sustainable renewable sources. It does not need a rushed procurement process that bypasses and denies meaningful public consultation.”
Renewables, not gas, are the foundation
The organisations said South Africa should urgently expand wind and solar, focusing on social ownership models, along with battery storage, transmission grids and energy efficiency. These technologies can reduce load-shedding risks, cut diesel use and create jobs without locking the country into imported fossil fuels.
The organisations call on government to prioritise wind, solar, battery storage, transmission and energy efficiency in the first procurement round. They also call on government to redirect public support towards a worker-centred Just Energy Transition, including local manufacturing, skills development, grid investment and affordable clean energy for low-income households.
[QUOTE – Gabriel Klaasen, Project 90 by 2030]
“South Africa does not have to choose between keeping the lights on and protecting the climate. We can choose renewables, storage and a stronger grid. What we cannot afford is another fossil-fuel gamble paid for by the people least able to bear it. We need to secure our just energy future for people, planet, and generations to come.”
Ends
For further information, contact:
Gabriel Klaasen, Project 90 by 2030, +27 79 306 8871, gabriel@90by2030.org.za
Tumi Masipa, 350.org, 0814529096, tumi@350.org
Ntombizodidi Mapapu, SAFCEI, 072 332 0709, ntombi@safcei.org.za
Alexandra Kayle, CER, 082 827 8429, akayle@cer.org.za
Jo-Anne Smetherham, Fossil Free South Africa, 082 813 6444, jo@fossilfreesa.org.za
