The second integrated resource plan (IRP2) has left southern African countries in the dark, according to Norconsult Africa managing director Tore Horvei at the 7th Regional Electricity Regulators Association of Southern Africa meeting. The IRP2, created by the South African Department of Energy (DoE), will set a long-term energy plan in place for South Africa that will cover the next 20-25 years.
The IRP2 said that South Africa will need 41,346 MW of additional generating capacity. The DoE said the plan “supports the development of the southern and central African region by stimulating the development of hydro and other power projects in Africa.” The draft proposal calls for the country’s 2030 energy mix to include 48% of coal generated power, 16% generated from renewable energy, 14% from nuclear, 9% from open-cycle gas turbines, and 2% of imported hydropower which will most likely come from Mozambique. The neighboring country’s Cahora Bassa hydropower plant is expected to produce 1,500 MW of electricity for export to South Africa.
This plan is important for the region as it stipulates which countries South Africa will look to in order to meet its domestic energy demand. Horvei said the plan was disappointing for neighboring countries as South Africa has failed to admit that it would purchase the power from the countries, making developers leery to commit to larger projects.
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