Tag: EnergySecurity
Diesel dependency – SA’s last shield for energy security now at...
South Africa faces two main energy security risks: electricity reliability and diesel dependency. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has shown a critical shift. Diesel is no longer a guaranteed “last line of defence”. If an external shock, such as the Strait of Hormuz closure, occurred during load-shedding, pressure would rise sharply. Diesel availability would tighten. This would affect on-site generators for critical loads such as hospitals and data centres.
Energy infrastructure rollout fails informal settlement delivery
Ahead lies a massive and complex energy infrastructure rollout to repair and expand transmission and distribution systems. Both the state and the private sector are deploying historic levels of capital. Soon, thousands of technicians and workers will move to deliver this vision. However, I worry that we are not as prepared to support them as we are to meet budget requirements within this energy infrastructure rollout.
Fuel rationing looms in SA and Iran too is “unbanned”
Escalating geopolitical tensions are reshaping global energy dynamics, and fuel rationing looms as both a local and international concern. The discussion in the video below centres on the growing risk of fuel instability in South Africa, set against a rapidly shifting global oil landscape influenced by conflict in the Middle East and changing policy decisions around Iran’s oil exports.
Global oil price volatility and its local impact
Global fuel market dynamics play an enormous role in determining fuel prices. Global oil price volatility strongly influences these dynamics. Supply and demand remain highly relevant. They influence what the global market will pay for a barrel of oil. They also shape perceptions of shortages. In turn, these perceptions can trigger buying sprees that push prices higher.
Collaboration as a strategic imperative for energy resilience
As the global energy community gathers under the theme “Stronger Together” at this year’s Mining Indaba, the conversation about collaboration has never been more relevant. Supply chain volatility shapes the current environment. Rising operational costs add pressure. In addition, companies face increasing demands to improve productivity. As a result, energy businesses must rethink how they operate.
