Shale gas could be energy game changer in South Africa

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

State oil company PetroSA says shale gas could be an energy game-changer in South Africa.

CEO, Nosiviwe Nokwe Macamo, was commenting on a recent government decision to lift the moratorium on the issuing of licenses for shale gas exploration in the Karoo.

Speaking in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, Macamo said shale gas could potentially shift the country's energy balance.

However, she says any future use of shale gas will not impact on PetroSA's plans for a crude oil refinery mooted for the Coega Industrial Development Zone outside the city.

"Its still early stages but we do see shale gas being a game-changer in this country. When you take the gas you don't necessarily only have to take gas to liquids in terms of petroleum but you can also use the gas to become feedstock for a whole new petrochemical industry." Macamo said.