• South Africa will lift a 13-year moratorium on shale gas exploration to diversify its energy mix and reduce coal dependence.
• The new regulations, expected this month, will govern environmental and safety standards for hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo Basin.
• Pretoria plans technical cooperation with the United States to develop shale gas extraction technologies and unlock reserves estimated between 13 and 209 trillion cubic feet (Tcf).

South Africa will lift its 13-year ban on shale gas exploration as the government seeks to tackle its prolonged energy crisis, reduce coal dependence, and attract foreign technology partnerships.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe confirmed on October 16 that the moratorium would be lifted following the publication of new shale gas regulations later this month. These rules will outline environmental and safety standards for hydraulic fracturing, particularly in the Karoo Basin, which has been at the center of the national debate for over a decade.

The moratorium, imposed in 2011 amid lawsuits and environmental opposition, halted all exploration and production activities. The government now intends to reopen the sector as part of its plan to stabilize the electricity grid and attract investment.

Despite a national target of 33% renewable power by 2030, South Africa remains heavily reliant on coal, and persistent power outages have crippled economic growth.

Pretoria has expressed interest in a technology partnership with the United States to develop advanced hydraulic fracturing methods and unlock the Karoo’s gas potential. According to studies, the basin could hold between 13 and 209 Tcf of recoverable shale gas.

However, the plan still faces legal and environmental hurdles. In 2017, the High Court struck down previous fracking regulations, citing weak environmental safeguards. The government must now design a robust legal framework to withstand future challenges.

For the administration, shale gas represents a transitional energy source as the country’s coal plants deteriorate and renewable deployment faces delays. The Academy of Science of South Africa estimates that just 5 Tcf of gas could fuel a 1,000–2,000 MW power plant for several decades — a key argument for energy stability.

Environmental groups remain skeptical. The semi-arid Karoo region faces severe water scarcity and fragile ecosystems, raising doubts about the project’s sustainability and social acceptance.

This article was initially published in French by Olivier de Souza 

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum