PetroSA to boost grid with gas-fired generators

PetroSA to boost grid with gas-fired generators

State-owned PetroSA plans to build a network of gas-fired power plants to feed the grid with 180MW for seven years.

This is part of PetroSA’s turnaround strategy following years of governance, financial and operational challenges.

Board chair Nkululeko Poya believes PetroSA could have a gas-to-power (GTP) plant online in 18-24 months, pending approval from Nersa. He says it has enough gas to do so. It would use tail gas, residue left over from its gas-to-liquid operations at Mossel Bay.

This comes as the state implements its energy action plan in the gaze of the national energy crisis committee (Necom).

The state is working to procure energy from various sources, including 6,800MW of solar photovoltaic and wind power through bid windows 5, 6 and 7. An additional 3,000MW of gas and 513MW of battery storage could be introduced in future.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, head of infrastructure & investments in the presidency, as minister of electricity, tasked with ending load-shedding.

Poya said PetroSA was completing a study of the transmission line capability within the next 12 months. It is also undertaking an environmental impact assessment.

The SOE has secured a deal with Mozambican parastatal ENH to source gas for trade in the SA market, with the African Export-Import Bank providing finance.

“That will help us support the economy and also play more in gas trading and supplying of gas to the economy,” Poya said.

PetroSA is building a series of gas-to-power plants to transmit up to 180MW to Eskom's Gourikwa power plant in the Western Cape. Picture: 123RF/TEBNAD123RF/TEBNAD