According to a report from South Africa on September 1, South African Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwed Mantashe refuted the argument that renewable energy can end years of rolling blackouts. Mantasche said Europe's return to fossil fuels demonstrated the limitations of using green energy. Solar and wind power plants can be used to supplement coal, gas and nuclear power generation, but have limitations in meeting South Africa's needs, such as mines. South Africa should consider investing in increasing coal and nuclear power generation capacity, and using renewable energy as a backup source.
Mantashe said a pledge from developing countries last year to help South Africa raise $8.5 billion to help South Africa transition to clean energy is still under discussion. He said any final decision on how to use the funds would be based on South Africa's energy needs. Mantashe calls for an end to the "polarized" debate on South Africa's energy transition. Meeting the needs of the country requires "multi-technology coexistence"