Energy Law
Energy law focuses on the regulatory system overseeing the provision and production of energy. This field of law has become extremely vast and overlaps with aspects of procurement, environment, carbon tax and at times property law. The National Development Plan (NDP) envisages that, by 2030, South Africa will have an energy sector that provides reliable and efficient energy service at competitive rates; that is socially equitable through expanded access to energy at affordable tariffs; and that is environmentally sustainable through reduced emissions and pollution. In formulating its vision for the energy sector, the NDP took as a point of departure the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010–2030 promulgated in March 2011. The promulgated IRP 2010–2030 identified the preferred generation technology required to meet expected demand growth up to 2030. It incorporated government objectives such as affordable electricity, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduced water consumption, diversified electricity generation sources, localisation and regional development. The IRP also provides for mixed energy diversity, including coal, nuclear, natural gas, renewable energy and hydro power.
I have been involved in a range of energy related matters including overseeing the environmental processes for licenses, surface use disputes and the procurement of energy services. I have also attended the Africa Oil Week events in South Africa, where key industry players in the energy sector discuss technical aspects of upstream and downstream opportunities and risks. I am also a member of the South African National Energy Association.
