Energy deal with China a positive for SA, says expert
The South African National Energy Development Institute’s Professor Sampson Mamphweli believes the energy deals between China and South Africa will assist the country’s battle to end load shedding.
Mamphweli says the agreements align with the objectives contained in President Cyril Ramaphosa's Energy Action Plan.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa last week signed a joint memorandum of cooperation with five Chinese entities, including the superpower’s state utility, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.
Ramokgopa said the agreement will allow for uninterrupted power supply installation at some 500 public facilities nationwide.
South Africa will also be provided with alternative energy supplies, including generators, power supply vehicles and PV systems.
Mamphweli said the agreement will also see the country work with China to implement various green technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
"This agreement is quite in line with the plans that we have, in line with the integrated resource plan, In line with the president's action plan. China is one of the largest manufacturers of various energy-renewable components and other energy technologies in general.
"Once we buy these technology components from China at a cheaper cost, People will then be able to install some of these embedded generations, especially the solar PV," said Mamphweli.
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