South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) has unveiled plans to significantly increase the capacity of the SAPREF refinery following its acquisition in 2024. Previously producing 180,000 barrels per day (bpd), the refinery was forced to shut down in 2022 due to flood damage. The government’s new goal is to ramp up capacity to between 400,000 and 600,000 bpd.
Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil & Gas Conference (SAOGC) in Cape Town, Dr. Tshepo Mokoka, Acting CEO of CEF, stated that the expansion is crucial for meeting South Africa’s growing fuel demand. The strategy aligns with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Plan, which balances hydrocarbon production with renewable energy investments.
Dr. Mokoka emphasized that South Africa is actively developing gas-to-power projects, aiming to generate 4GW of electricity. Nazeem Braaf, an official at the newly established South African National Petroleum Company, highlighted that the country has an opportunity to position itself as a key petroleum hub in Africa.
Geothermal Energy Integration:
Helen Robinson, Global R&D Manager at the International Geothermal Association, suggested that geothermal energy could extend the lifecycle of oil and gas wells, reducing methane emissions and improving monetization beyond traditional production timelines.
Source: Energy Capital and Power
