South Africa aims to take on fossil fuel opponents

摘要

SOUTH Africa's government is getting on the front foot in its ongoing battle to develop the energy-starved nation's existing hydrocarbon resources and explore for new oil and gas, despite stern opposition from anti-fossil fuel campaigners. Successful legal manoeuvres against marine seismic surveys in recent years have almost stopped offshore exploration and production activities at source, outflanking both government and industry, while the upstream sector continues its long wait for bespoke oil and gas laws to be passed. However, changes are afoot, with officials in President Cyril Ramaphosa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party looking to establish a government "war room" to address critical energy issues, while discussions are also under way to set up a dedicated court to deal solely with oil and gas matters. Hopes are also growing that the critical Upstream Petroleum Development Bill could be passed before the nation goes to the polls in mid-2024, when the ANC's parliamentary majority could be in jeopardy in part due to the country's horrendous nationwide blackouts due to load shedding.