South African (SA) government is reviewing appeals against environmental approvals granted for several offshore oil and gas exploration projects, in a move aimed at unlocking stalled investments in the sector.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, says the process is intended to prevent ongoing “decision paralysis” and ensure that government fulfils its legal and constitutional mandate to support inclusive economic growth.
The industry has welcomed development. Senior Director of Global Policy at EnerGeo Alliance, Ross Compton, says the move could be a turning point. He notes that beyond benefiting operators, the sector has the potential to contribute significantly to gross domestic product and create thousands of jobs that have been delayed due to regulatory uncertainty.
Compton adds that moving ahead with these projects could bring SA closer to fully integrating oil and gas into its energy mix while supporting broader economic development.
–ChannelAfrica–
