Energy – 22 April 2024
ENERGY
- Eskom reports increase in municipal debt. Despite an intervention from the Treasury to rein in snowballing arrear debt owed to Eskom by municipalities, the burden of outstanding payments has grown beyond expectations. According to Eskom, by 29 February, total arrear debt owed by municipalities had escalated to R74.52 billion – well ahead of a previous estimate that this debt would increase to R68 billion by end-March. (Source)
- More support needed for green hydrogen. Project developers say that the government should do more to support the development of a green hydrogen economy if South Africa is to become a big player in the global supply of green hydrogen and products such as green ammonia. Based on the country’s R1.5 trillion Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, it is estimated that R320 billion would have to be spent up to 2027 on research and developing the infrastructure needed to support the production, use and export of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is identified as one of three priority areas in the country’s energy transition plan. (Source)
- Fuel price increases. South African fuel prices have reached record-high increases over the past three years despite the government not increasing the General Fuel Levy or Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy. Commenting on unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the Automobile Association (AA) says unleaded 93 petrol inland in May 2022 cost R21.51 per litre but increased to R23.01 in May 2023. According to current data from the CEF) this price will again increase by 37c/litre in May pushing the price close to R25.15/l. (Source)
