Development of a significant deep-water discovery made in the area last year “will further enable South Africa to diversify its energy mix. That argument doesn’t withstand scrutiny, according to environmental group Greenpeace. South Africa does not have any further refinery capacity to accommodate what might be found.
Developing and exporting crude to global markets won’t reduce the country’s dependence on fuel imports. Literally in the background, Mauritius is cleaning up thousands of barrels of oil that spilled earlier this month when a vessel ran aground off the island nation’s coast. South African government will ensure exploration won’t come at the expense of the environment. Oil comes with a lot of risks, complications and negative impacts, whether you drill, carry or burn it.