In response to the pressing climate crisis and escalating environmental challenges, South Africa faces a pivotal moment in its energy transition.

A press release from Extinction Rebellion (XR) highlights what they say is an urgent need for the country to prioritize renewable energy over gas as a “transition fuel.”

The Green Connection joined the Extinction Rebellion, in staging a demonstration-protest on the opening day of the Africa Energy Indaba at the CTICC on Tuesday morning.

Participants say the protest was specifically against what they call the ”lies and myths” associated with “GREEN GAS” (The Gas Forum “side event” took place on Monday).

The press release underscores the gravity of the situation, citing alarming statistics such as 2023 being the hottest year on record and February 2024 poised to become the hottest February in recorded history.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of the worsening impacts of climate change at the African Union Summit further emphasizes the urgency of the situation.

XR says while commendable efforts have been made towards climate change adaptation, there’s a glaring gap in climate change mitigation strategies. The XR press release criticizes the government’s lack of commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by curbing the burning of fossil fuels.

Despite vague assurances of reaching emission reduction targets, the government’s stance provides leeway for profit-seeking multinational corporations to exploit South Africa’s fossil fuel resources.

The press release highlights the recent Africa Gas Forum and African Energy Indaba, where gas company executives lobbied South African decision-makers to embrace gas as a transition fuel.

However, XR says it seeks to dismantle the myths propagated by gas advocates and advocates for a swift transition to renewable energy:

Myth 1: Renewable Energy Requires Gas Backup

Contrary to claims, renewable energy sources like solar and wind can achieve a secure power supply without the need for gas-fired power plants. Oversizing renewable generation capacity and implementing effective electricity storage solutions can ensure grid stability.

The claim regarding renewable energy’s reliability comes from Ayobani Oyewo and colleagues’ 2019 study titled “Pathway towards achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2050 for South Africa.” Additionally, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) advises that well-managed variable energy systems are secure and least-cost.

Myth 2: Gas is Climate-Friendly

Despite being touted as a cleaner alternative to coal, gas poses significant environmental risks due to methane leakage throughout its value chain. Investing in gas perpetuates fossil fuel dependence and undermines global efforts to combat climate change.

Gordon et al.’s 2023 study, “Evaluating net life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions intensities from gas and coal at varying methane leakage rates,” provides evidence of methane leakage’s impact on climate change.

Myth 3: Gas is Economically Viable

Investing in gas is not a cost-effective solution, as it fails to account for the true carbon cost and environmental damage associated with extraction and consumption. Renewable energy offers long-term sustainability and economic benefits without locking South Africa into fossil fuel dependence.

Swanson et al.’s 2020 study, “Sailing to nowhere: liquefied natural gas is not an effective climate strategy,” highlights the economic risks associated with investing in gas infrastructure.

The press release acknowledges the arguments put forth by the fossil fuel industry, which often advocate for gas as a “bridge fuel” to a low-carbon future.

However, XR challenges these assertions, citing evidence that renewable energy technologies have advanced to the point where they can provide a secure and stable power supply without the need for gas backup.

The press release concludes by urging South Africa to reject the exploitation of natural gas and embrace renewable energy solutions. By prioritizing renewable energy, South Africa can mitigate the impacts of climate change, safeguard public health, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.