South Africa Moves to Secure LNG Supply Amid Looming Gas Shortage

South Africa is intensifying efforts to secure liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to address its persistent energy crisis and looming gas shortage, commonly referred to as the “gas cliff.”

- 

The country is banking on two major LNG projects and a new partnership between leading regional energy firms to ensure stability in its electricity sector and industrial base.

LNG Import Projects to Support Power Generation

According to the Global LNG Database, South Africa is considering two LNG projects to increase gas utilization for electricity generation. The first is the 2.5 million metric tons per year (MMT/Y) Matola Floating Import facility in Mozambique, proposed by French energy giant TotalEnergies. The project aims to transport regasified LNG through the existing Rompco gas pipeline to major cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria. A final investment decision (FID) is expected this year, with an anticipated start-up by 2027.

The second project is the 2MMT/Y Richards Bay Floating LNG import facility, which will supply regasified LNG to Durban, with operations slated to commence by 2028.