DNG Energy, a natural gas infrastructure company, has announced the arrival of South Africa’s first-ever LNG shipment from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The cargo shipment serves as a forerunner to DNG Energy’s commissioning of a floating storage unit in Q1 of 2022.

Commenting, the CEO of DNG Energy, Aldworth Mbalati, said: “The arrival of the LNG consignment is an inflection point for South Africa’s energy market; marking a key moment in our shift from coal-fired and oil-fired power generation to cleaner alternatives.”

“In the context of South Africa’s just energy transition, LNG represents an excellent alternative that will help cut GHG emissions, reduce air pollution and help combat global warming. It will play a key role in helping the country meet its carbon emission goals and providing power to a growing population as the world transitions towards a zero-carbon energy future.”

DNG Energy has spent the last seven years building the $5 billion LNG infrastructure, and this shipment is the first of many that will directly address South Africa’s energy demands. The shipment arrives at a time when the country is investigating alternative energy sources vigorously to satisfy expanding demand. The shipment will be critical in supporting industry, job creation, and economic growth, in addition to paving the path for a cleaner, more sustainable energy source.

South Africa is presently creating the groundwork for a natural gas economy, with coal-fired power generation being phased out in favour of gas. As Africa’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, the country has prioritised natural gas in its energy transformation strategy.