Exploring the potential impact of the gas amendment bill on South Africa's energy landscape

James says the 2023 Gas Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Gas Act of 2001 (following a previous attempt to do so through the 2021 Gas Amendment Bill, which was withdrawn in 2022) to align with developments in the South African gas industry since its enactment.

James notes that the industry hasn’t remained static since the Act came into effect in 2001. There have been numerous changes, such as the adoption of international best practices, technological advancements in gas procurement and transportation, and the emergence of new gases, such as green hydrogen.

Furthermore, James adds that the Bill aims to modernise the Act by aligning its provisions with current policy and expanding its scope to accommodate new technological advancements and gases, such as shale gas or methane gas. Amidst the push for industry modernization, the Gas Amendment Bill presents a pivotal juncture for South Africa's energy landscape. However, given the environmental concerns, the Bill's alignment with climate targets warrants careful scrutiny to ensure a sustainable energy future.