
The South African Department of Energy intends to introduce 2,600 MW of gas-fired generation to back up solar power under South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan for Electricty, 2010-2030, she added.
Gas to replace coal in generation mix
Under the plan, the South African government forsees securing a minimum 711 MW from combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT), between 2019 and 2021 as back up for solar-power pants to 'improve security of supply.'
The plan looks to increase South Africa's gas-fired generation mix: expanding gas-fired power generation in the country from 2 to 11 percent by 2030.
Electricity generation in South Africa currently has a 67 percent coal-based according to statistics complied by the US Energy Information Administration.
US grant for South African gas field
The US recently signed an agreement to fund a fledgling gas production project of Australian producer Sunbird Energy, with a grant that will finance a sub-surface development plan, reported Engineering News Online.
It is following through with plans to work with trading partners to increase gas-fired power worldwide, in conjunction with the discovery of American shale gas reserves.
Sunbird Energy has said Independent power producers may potentially develop power plants in South Africa at Saldanha Bay.
Gas field under development
The Ibhubesti gas project is awaiting approval by the Petroleum Agency of South Africa and the Department of Mineral Resources. A decision is expected by 2015.
The production project could produce 28.3-billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas each year for the first six to eight years.
It would be 76 percent owned by Sunbird Energy in partnership with the South African state oil company.
Read more: http://gastopowerjournal.com/regulationapolicy/item/2160-south-african-gas-fired-power-plans-develop#ixzz2csOOIPRn