Mantashe says coal plants going nowhere, touts mixed technologies to solve SA's energy crisis

CAPE TOWN - Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says coal-powered stations will not be mothballed in his lifetime.

He said he doesn't believe renewable technology alone is the answer to solving the country's energy woes.  

Speaking at the African Energy Week in Cape Town on Thursday, Mantashe said he's also still in favour of exploring shale gas in the Karoo which has in the past come under stiff challenges from environmental groups.

ALSO READ: 

• Energy Dept refining the renewable energy bidding process, says Ramokgopa
• COP28: SA pioneered plans to transition to renewable energy – what went wrong
• Giant batteries to store wind & solar power can speed up SA’s energy transition – how that can happen

Mantashe said the switch to renewable energy sources must be accompanied by a solid base load and that comes from coal. 

"I am a great believer of mixed technologies. I don't accept this thing of moving from coal to renewables," said Mantashe.

He's given mining communities and power station workers the assurance their livelihoods are secure.  

"They will not be destroyed in my lifetime. Those coal power plants are going to exist for a long time, even those that are supposed to be decommissioned," he said.

Mantashe said while nuclear is still an option to meet the country’s energy needs - choices must be made based on affordability.