Member of Mayor Council (MMC) for Economic Development in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Lawrence Khoza, together with officials from Department of Economic Development and EISD, conducted a site visit at DNG Energy on Monday 10 May 2021.
The purpose of the site visit was to formally proceed with discussions of a proposed partnership between the City and the Private Sector, in-line with the announcement made by the Department of Minerals and Energy that Municipalities can now generate their own alternative energy.
In the City of Johannesburg’s Economic Recovery Plan, energy has been highlighted as a key “enabler” of economic growth. An erratic supply of power is not good for attracting investment in the City of Joburg, as the City tries to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, attracting investment is a major priority.
DNG Energy is a leading company in the Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) arena and they see the City of Johannesburg as a strategic partner in unlocking economic growth and addressing the impact caused by Covid-19.
The discussions highlight the seriousness of the City in its own Economic Recovery and reconstruction plan to assist businesses and citizens. DNG is looking at the LNG value chain from source to consumption holistically.
The environmental, social and economic benefits that come with the use of LNG including helping South Africa to meet its targets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, driving economic growth, improving the livelihoods of all citizens, inequality, poverty eradication and job creation”.
“Energy is crucial for investment attraction and as the City of Johannesburg we are committed to generating sufficient energy from alternative sources. A reignited Johannesburg economy post Covid-19 needs reliable energy supply. Investments would be attracted on the basis that the City is able to provide the required electricity,” said MMC Khoza.
Discussions between the City of Johannesburg and private sector will continue in an effort to allow power stations such as President Street Power Station and Kelvin Power Station to generate alternative energy by private sector investors, as well as skills development to help reduce unemployment in the City of Johannesburg.
ENDS
For Media Enquiries:
Lelethu Ndyamboti
Email: LelethuNdy@joburg.org.za
Cell: 083 702 3688
