S.Africa eyes new energy sources to meet GDP goal

South Africa will need an extra 25,000 megawatts of energy between 2010 and 2024 should the economy reach the government’s targeted 6 percent annual growth rate, the energy minister said on Friday.

President Thabo Mbeki’s government aims to lift GDP growth to at least 6 percent by 2010, demanding massive investment to upgrade ageing electricity infrastructure and build new plants to meet fast-rising demand.

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South Africa’s current 37,000 MW capacity is buckling under increasing demand in Africa’s biggest economy, prompting a scramble for new energy sources.

South Africa