Hydraulic Fracturing in the Karoo: Critical Legal and Environmental Perspectives

摘要

South Africa is currently facing an energy crisis. The country's main energy supply comes from fossil fuels, with coal remaining the major fuel source for the country's electricity. But domestic coal reserves are under threat of depletion, with coal reserve lifetime estimated at between 50 and 100 years. Most of the country's oil is imported, while natural gas reserves are also rapidly declining; since 2006, the country has been importing natural gas from Mozambique to meet local demands. Furthermore, South Africa's dependence on fossil fuels has detrimental effects on the environment; because of the major role of fossil fuels in South Africa, the country is a significant contributor to climate change. The country therefore faces a dilemma: on the one hand, South Africa is trying to become more energy self-sufficient, while on the other hand, it needs to pursue cleaner energy sources to shake off the perception that the country is still stuck in a carbon era.