A panel of ministers looking into the viability of exploring and fracking says the availability of Shale Gas in South Africa will contribute to energy security in the country.
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor was speaking during the launch of the commission of a strategic environmental assessment of shale gas development in South Africa.
She said that at a time of energy scarcity in South Africa, she believed the launching of the commission to be both timely and critical.
Minister Pandor said, however, that government would take into consideration the impact that shale gas and fracking would have on the environment before deciding to give the go ahead.
Meanwhile the Treasure Karoo Action Group Issued the following statement..
The Minister of Environmental Affairs today announced the launch of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on shale gas. Also present were representatives from the Departments of Water and Sanitation, Science and Technology, Energy and Mineral Resources.
The SEA is expected to address exploration and production related activities of shale gas development across different scenarios in a holistic and integrated manner and will include an assessment of all the material social, economic and biophysical risks and opportunities associated with the industry.
The Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Council for Geosciences (CGS) will play an integral role in the completion of the assessment.
