South Africa should learn from BRICS for its energy crisis
ECONOMY & POLICY

South Africa should learn from BRICS for its energy crisis

A senior policy researcher suggested that South Africa should consider India's approach to addressing its energy crisis, especially in relation to electricity, while focusing on nuclear energy and the involvement of the private sector in this field. Redge Nkosi, executive director and head of research for energy, banking, and macroeconomic policy at the Centre for Alternative Political and Economic Thought, shared these views in the daily Business Report and highlighted India's plans.

Nkosi noted that India, as a BRICS member and the most populous nation in the world, having surpassed China, is expected to build over 18 nuclear reactors with a capacity of 13.8 GW by 2032 to enhance its energy mix. This initiative was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He explained that the financing for this expansion would come from state public banks and domestic commercial banks, with the Indian Reserve Bank playing a significant role in the national effort.

Nkosi also pointed out that while some foreign elements are involved, India maintains yield control to keep debt reasonably priced. He highlighted that this approach serves as a model for a developing country with national interests guiding its policies. Nkosi referenced India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent announcement in the 2024-25 budget about involving the private sector in atomic energy for the first time in the country's history. He noted that India is not inexperienced with private sector involvement in such areas and cited detailed information from the Indian budget document on nuclear development.

Nkosi suggested that South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, and the South African Treasury could study India's public-private partnership model as a potential solution. He emphasised that understanding how India uses its macroeconomic tools to reduce energy costs could provide valuable insights, particularly as South Africa faces significant public backlash over substantial electricity price hikes by municipalities served by the state-owned Eskom.

Nkosi advised that South Africa should urgently examine how its BRICS counterparts manage their energy diplomacy in a way that protects national interests and engages the private sector effectively.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

A senior policy researcher suggested that South Africa should consider India's approach to addressing its energy crisis, especially in relation to electricity, while focusing on nuclear energy and the involvement of the private sector in this field. Redge Nkosi, executive director and head of research for energy, banking, and macroeconomic policy at the Centre for Alternative Political and Economic Thought, shared these views in the daily Business Report and highlighted India's plans. Nkosi noted that India, as a BRICS member and the most populous nation in the world, having surpassed China, is expected to build over 18 nuclear reactors with a capacity of 13.8 GW by 2032 to enhance its energy mix. This initiative was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He explained that the financing for this expansion would come from state public banks and domestic commercial banks, with the Indian Reserve Bank playing a significant role in the national effort. Nkosi also pointed out that while some foreign elements are involved, India maintains yield control to keep debt reasonably priced. He highlighted that this approach serves as a model for a developing country with national interests guiding its policies. Nkosi referenced India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent announcement in the 2024-25 budget about involving the private sector in atomic energy for the first time in the country's history. He noted that India is not inexperienced with private sector involvement in such areas and cited detailed information from the Indian budget document on nuclear development. Nkosi suggested that South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, and the South African Treasury could study India's public-private partnership model as a potential solution. He emphasised that understanding how India uses its macroeconomic tools to reduce energy costs could provide valuable insights, particularly as South Africa faces significant public backlash over substantial electricity price hikes by municipalities served by the state-owned Eskom. Nkosi advised that South Africa should urgently examine how its BRICS counterparts manage their energy diplomacy in a way that protects national interests and engages the private sector effectively.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?