Geothermal exploration for SA a possibility, but funding a major challenge

While geothermal energy is renewable and can be used for baseload supply, the major challenge surrounding this type of energy in South Africa is that geothermal exploration is expensive, which is why it has yet to be undertaken in the country, says Royal Haskoning energy consultant David Johnson. Speaking at the PowerGen Africa conference in Sandton, Gauteng, on Wednesday, Johnson added that most of South Africa had very low geothermal potential, owing to the country’s temperate climate.