South Africa has completed its long-awaited master plan for developing its gas market, a move aimed at reducing carbon emissions and alleviating chronic power shortages in the country. The plan, which has faced numerous delays, is set to be presented to the cabinet before being released to the public, according to a senior official at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

South Africa is seeking to diversify its energy mix away from aging coal-fired power plants, which have been prone to breakdowns and have contributed to harmful emissions in the country. The nation estimates it has significant gas resources, both offshore and onshore.

The gas master plan aims to address the demand and supply of natural gas in South Africa until 2050. It utilizes three scenarios, based on industry data, which include low, medium, and high demand projections. Initial gas usage will likely revolve around gas-to-power projects, where decommissioned coal-fired plants will be converted to run on gas.

However, the plan also recognizes that South Africa, which primarily sources its gas from petrochemical major Sasol's fields in Mozambique, will likely face a gas shortage from 2026 as these fields deplete. The public release of the gas master plan is expected by the end of December.