So much so, Eskom's own modelling indicates that a shift to renewables will require dispatchable power to ensure system stability – and that can be provided from gas. This is according to the power utility's CEO André de Ruyter. 

De Ruyter spoke during a panel discussion at the Enlit Africa conference on Tuesday. 

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News24 reports  the conference is an annual gathering of energy industry players from across the continent. Responding to a question on the choice of gas as a transition fuel, which is still an emitter of the greenhouse gas methane, De Ruyter said it is a challenge that Eskom grapples with. 

He described South Africa's power system as an island. Our country does not have the luxury of tapping into alternative energies from its neighbours in the way that Germany relies on France for nuclear or Norway for hydropower when its wind turbines are not generating power.

Fin24