Electricity Regulation Amendment Act ushers in competitive, sustainable electricity sector

Cabinet says the signing into law of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa creates a new era of a competitive and sustainable electricity sector that meets South Africa's energy needs. 'The amendments enhance energy security by drawing in more participants into energy production. 'The country's energy security has also been further strengthened with an additional 2 500 megawatts of electricity that will be fed into the national grid at the end of September 2024,' Cabinet said in a statement. The additional capacity, which will come from Medupi Unit 4, Kusile Unit 6 and Koeberg Unit 2, will place the country firmly on track to reach the milestone of 150 days, in two days, without load shedding. 'This milestone of 148 days without load shedding has been achieved with the reduction in the use of OCGT, resulting in R10.21 billion savings in the cost of diesel compared to the same period last year,' Cabinet said. Cabinet has also noted the withdrawal of the determination for t he procurement of new nuclear energy generation capacity by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, to allow for further public consultation. Cabinet affirmed that nuclear energy remains part of the country's energy mix as it offers a low-carbon, reliable source of electricity that can contribute significantly to the country's energy security and climate goals. Ports infrastructure On the country's ports infrastructure, Cabinet has welcomed the launch of five out of seven tugboats, which is part of the Transnet National Ports Authority's fleet renewal programme. This, to tackle the challenges of congestion at the country's ports in line with the Freight Logistics Roadmap to restore the efficiency and competitiveness in SA's ports and rail. READ | R1 billion investment to boost tugboat availability 'The tugboats, which are equipped with the latest technology and improved bollard pull capacity, will help reduce vessel turnaround times by assisting in the faster movement of cargo a nd container ships through our major ports. "The tugboats will also assist in preventing accidents by guiding ships through congested areas, thus improving port safety,' Cabinet said. Source: South African Government News Agency