Energy Security
Energy security refers to the reliable and affordable availability of energy supplies to meet a country's or region's economic and social needs. It encompasses the resilience of energy systems against supply disruptions, price volatility and geopolitical risks, as well as the diversity of energy sources and supply routes. Governments and industry stakeholders pursue energy security through strategies including domestic resource development, strategic reserves, diversified import sources and investment in energy infrastructure. The concept extends beyond oil and gas to include coal, electricity, nuclear fuel and renewable energy, reflecting the full spectrum of energy inputs required by modern economies. Energy security considerations influence national policy on resource extraction, trade agreements, pipeline and port infrastructure, and electricity grid interconnections. For resource-importing nations, energy security often drives efforts to reduce dependence on single suppliers or transit routes, while resource-rich countries may prioritise stable export markets and infrastructure to monetise reserves. The rise of renewable energy and battery storage is reshaping traditional energy security frameworks, introducing new dependencies on critical minerals and manufacturing supply chains. Energy security remains a central concern in Asia, where rapid economic growth and industrialisation have driven surging demand for coal, natural gas and oil, much of it imported. Climate policy and the energy transition add complexity, as countries balance decarbonisation goals with the need for affordable and reliable energy. Energy security is closely linked to economic competitiveness, national sovereignty and geopolitical strategy, making it a priority for policymakers and industry alike.
Energy Security Updates
Eskom Restructuring Task Team outlines terms of reference for creation of TSO
By: Terence Creamer 9th June 2026 The Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) has outlined the terms of reference guiding its deliberations on the establishment of an independent... →
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions: The burden of oil price shocks on vulnerable economies
9th June 2026 Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are sending shockwaves through the global energy system. Vulnerable economies are on the front line: of 75... →
Embedding ESG Across South Africa's Value Chains
4th June 2026 As environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly embedded in business strategy, companies are facing growing... →
Moody’s affirms Eskom’s credit ratings
1st June 2026 Moody’s Ratings (“Moody’s”) has affirmed Eskom’s B2 long-term corporate family rating, B2-PD probability of default rating, B2 senior unsecured... →
City of Johannesburg council approves R97.1b 2026/27 budget
29th May 2026 The City of Johannesburg Council has today, Thursday, 28 May 2026, approved the City’s 2026/27 budget following a robust debate at the Conny Bapela... →
Unlocking the potential of regional interconnections: Technical and regulatory harmonisation of grid codes
22nd May 2026 Regional interconnectors represent key enablers for the global energy transition and energy security. Interconnectors allow renewable resources to... →
Transitioning away from fossil fuels: A roadmap based on renewables, electrification and grid enhancement
22nd May 2026 The global energy transition is entering a new phase shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, rising electricity demand and structural changes in the... →
Lamola urges regional action on ‘irregular migration’, condemns vigilante violence 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 20th May 2026 Addressing the Ministerial Session of the Sixth Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Gaborone, on Wednesday,... →
SA: Ronald Lamola: Address by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the Ministerial Session of the Sixth Session of the Bi-National Commission, Gaborone, Botswana (20/05/2026)
20th May 2026 We are holding this meeting in the aftermath of a difficult moment. A few days ago, Botswana, joined by friends from near and far, bid farewell to... →
Dept of Energy targets affordability, load-reduction as loadshedding moves to the rearview mirror
By: Irma Venter 19th May 2026 As South Africa this month celebrates 365 days without loadshedding, the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) is turning its attention to the... →
