Potential for Power-to-X in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa’s is a very carbon-intensive economy and its energy system is based on domestic coal and on imported oil. More than 50% of South Africa’s CO2 emission is due to electricity production from coal (Eskom), and ~16% of South Africa’s CO2 emissions are due to production of synthetic fuels and commodity chemicals from coal (Sasol). The South African Department of Energy is procuring new generation capacity and has already allocated a total of 8.1 GW of renewables (mainly wind & PV) for procurement from Independent Power Producers. The renewables tariffs are now amongst the cheapest anywhere in the world – thanks to the excellent wind and solar resources combined with a highly successful, stringent & efficient procurement programme.