In a strategic move to address the pressing energy crisis, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Electricity Minister of South Africa, solidified a Joint Memorandum of Cooperation with China on Wednesday. This significant step aims to bolster the nation’s future generation capacity and put an end to the ongoing issue of load shedding.
The decision comes in the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening of the 15th BRICS summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, held in Sandton. Addressing a gathering of around 40 delegates, Ramaphosa set the stage for discussions on pivotal global issues.
At the subsequent summit session on Wednesday, Minister Ramokgopa highlighted that the joint memorandum aligns perfectly with his mission to eliminate load shedding in South Africa. This collaborative effort involves a diverse group of eight Chinese leaders specializing in the energy sector.
The core challenge South Africa faces lies in the performance of its coal fleets for power generation. Some power stations have exceeded emission levels beyond permissible limits, posing environmental and health concerns in neighboring areas.
China, on the other hand, holds valuable technological solutions that could aid South Africa in tackling emission issues without compromising nearby communities. Additionally, these solutions are expected to enhance the overall performance of the existing power units.
This significant development follows closely on the heels of Minister Ramokgopa’s recent signing of a Framework Agreement on Cooperation in Green Energy with China. The agreement was sealed during China’s state visit to South Africa on Tuesday, signifying the commitment of both nations to address critical energy challenges through strategic collaboration.