Fracking the Karoo cannot prevent 2027 ‘gas cliff’ – Chris Yelland, energy analyst

Jonh Maytham (in for Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk) speaks with Chris Yelland, an energy analyst and MD of EE Business Intelligence.

Listen below:

Minerals and Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe has spoken out in favour of shale gas exploration by way of fracking.

The minister says mining in South Africa 'can’t be killed for the sake of fresh air'.

There has been a moratorium on fracking in the Karoo since 2011, which Mantashe plans to lift.

This moratorium was in place because of the potential environmental consequences of fracking.

South Africa is at risk of hitting a ‘gas cliff’ as supplies from Mozambique will run out in 2027.

However, Yelland says fracking in the Karoo will not solve the problem.

RELATED: Govt gas master plan provides no answer for looming Day Zero, warn industrial users

“There is no way that fracking in the Karoo is going to provide gas in a way that can alleviate the gas cliff.”

- Chris Yelland, energy analyst

Accessing our shale gas reserves would require exploration, development, and pipeline infrastructure, which could not be done by 2027.

Scroll up to the audio player for more.