Fossil Fuels Ready for Developement in South Africa

Almost every country in the world has been blessed by nature with an abundance of one or more type of fossil fuels and South Africa is no different.  Coal and char are the dominant energy sources found in regions to date and have not gone unnoticed by developers.

Exxaro, a South African miner has been working with the South African government in developing the growth of fossil fuels and recently opened a char plant in Lephalale.  The plant is expected to increase the value of coal by three times and produce 130,000 tonnes per year to start.

The ultimate goal in the manufacturer of char is to increase South Africa's ferrochrome market that uses a mixture of coal, char and anthracite.  Doubling production in the next year will allow downstream marketing of coke, giving the nation recognition in being a large developer of economic proportions in jobs, exports and the market.

Already a workforce of 2700 are benefiting from the manufacturing facility with more to be added in the future.  Rosina Mogotlane, mayor of Lephalale reports that adding mining to the community has been the largest source of transformation in South Africa, affecting some 10,000 people with benefits each month.

The Fossil Fuel Foundation, founded in 1994, has had a huge impact on providing education and public attention on subjects that include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas, coal bed methane gas and also, alternative fuels.  Meetings with overseas delegates and specialists have kept South Africa on the forefront of new energy ideas and expansion. 

One example of attracting alternative fuels to South Africa is a new project in the works by energy and chemicals group Sasol.  To be established in Paarl, in the Western Cape, a production of 40 MW of copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) will be in full operation by 2014.  Working in conjunction with the University of Johannesburg, the National Empowerment Fund and the European Investment Bank, this start up venture will bring South Africa to the forefront of alternative fuels production.

By identifying, studying and seeking out expert analysis and comment on available and future technology options of fossil fuels and alternative fuels, South Africa has become one of the fastest growing areas for production and eventual exportation of products such as coke.  Far ahead of many nations that are still in the analysis stage, South Africa is strategically placing itself in a confident position in fossil fuels and alternative fuels, as well.

Once considered an underdeveloped nation, South Africa is a nation that the world needs to keep an eye on in the future for moving ahead of talk and taking action in the realm of utilizing natural resources.

The Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa is the premier world-class, knowledge-based institution serving the techno-intellectual needs of the multidisciplinary fossil fuel and energy community in Africa through communication, information distribution, coordination, education, promotion and networking.