Liquified petroleum gas provides a technically viable and financially feasible means to reduce Eskom’s diesel cost burden by 30% to 40%

Abstract

Significance: In early 2022, we analysed the benefits of switching the fuel for the Ankerlig peaking plant from diesel to LPG (liquified petroleum gas or  ‘bottled’ gas) to reduce cost, improve greenhouse gas emissions and provide for the long-term needs of the South African electricity grid.  That analysis was published in May 2022 (Clark et al. J Energy South Afr. 2022;33(2):15–23). With increased load shedding and the  higher cost of diesel fuel, this recommended fuel change has become even more relevant. In this commentary, we summarise the conclusions from that paper and related studies and update the results to reflect the latest situation within the country.