Cabinet Approves IRP2019 Energy Blueprint

Riyaz Patel

South Africa’s Cabinet has approved the promulgation of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019) which provides a blueprint for South Africa’s envisaged energy mix until 2030.

Following its fortnightly meeting Thursday, Cabinet said the IRP2019 proposes nine interventions that respond to the country’s energy needs for the next decade.

“The plan remains within the policy framework of pursuing a diversified energy mix that reduces reliance on a single or few primary energy sources. It will be revised in line with the changing energy sector environment,” a Cabinet statement said.

Mineral Resources and Energy minister Gwede Mantashe is scheduled to outline the contents of the long-awaited plan Friday.

“The news comes as a great relief after months of uncertainty, in the midst of yet another round of load shedding implemented by Eskom on Wednesday, which is expected to last well into next week,” said Bianca Botes, Treasury Partner at Peregrine