Description

South Africa is a democratic republic with a stable political system. The economic environment is forecast to remain stable, with policy focus on employment creation through growth and stability. Energy consumption is steadily increasing with economic development. Demand and supply of energy is dominated by coal, as it is an abundant natural resource in the country. The Integrated Resource Plan of 2010 placed a high emphasis on renewable energy in the future. The country faces considerable challenges in meeting electricity demand and rolling blackouts are expected from 2011 to 2014. Opportunities exist for independent power producers to supply electricity shortfalls in the short term and to supply through renewable sources in the long term.