Renewable transition made load-shedding worse – Mantashe 

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has stated that part of the load-shedding experienced in South Africa is a result of attempting to transition away from coal too quickly.  

Mantashe emphasized that the country cannot rely solely on renewables for electricity generation and cited European countries that have retreated from the green transition and continued to burn coal.  He warned that if South Africa transitions too quickly, it could end up in a similar situation.

Mantashe also expressed concerns about the security of the country’s power supply, noting that the focus on decarbonization has taken precedence over energy security.  His position has complicated the implementation of an $8.5 billion pledge by rich nations to support South Africa’s move to green energy.  

Mantashe has faced criticism for his stance as a “coal fundamentalist” and has overseen a stop-start program for renewable power generation. He called for a balanced approach between environmental concerns and development. 

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