As South Africa faces increasing pressure to meet its 2050 climate targets, there is an urgent need to reassess its energy transition strategy. Natural gas is currently viewed as a transitional fuel in this shift, but its long-term sustainability and effectiveness in supporting a low-carbon future are being questioned.
This paper evaluates the role of natural gas in South Africa’s energy transition examining the geopolitical, environmental and economic risks it poses. While gas emissions are lower than coal, they still lag behind cleaner renewable energy options like solar and wind.
The paper also highlights the risks of stranded assets as global markets shift toward renewables and green hydrogen as well as the governance challenges observed in regional gas projects.