Gas is a game changer for the South African energy sector according to minister of mineral resources and energy, Gwede Mantashe. “Coal will continue to play a significant role in electricity generation. We have a more than 30 000-megawatt portfolio of existing power plants, and the abundance of the resource.” But it is gas, says Mantashe,that will ultimately transform the country as has been outlined in the newly released Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the long-term planning tool for energy. “We intend to establish the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub in the Coega IDZ in the Eastern Cape,” says Mantashe. Urging foreign investors to pursue investment opportunities in this hub, Mantashe says it will lay the foundation for new gas to power plants across South Africa. “It will also see the conversion of existing power plants from diesel to gas. We also intend to use that location as a base for importing feedstock for the gas to liquids refinery in Mossel Bay.” The framework for supporting this major programme will be announced in the next few months. Linked to this is an amendment to the Gas Act 2001, which is also expected to be tabled in parliament soon. According to Mantashe gas to power technologies will provide flexibility required to complement intermittent renewable energy and meet demand during peak hours. “While in the short term the opportunity is to pursue gas import options, local and regional gas resources will allow for scaling up within manageable risk levels,” he says. “Indigenous gas like coal-bed methane, and ultimately, local recoverable shale and coastal gas are options we are considering.” To ensure gas receives the attention it deserves Mantashe says the government will go ahead and separate oil and gas from mining legislation.