The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) of South Africa has signed a deal with the country’s national energy regulator, Nersa, to strengthen collaboration in promoting renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure at South Africa’s ports.

Engineering News reports that the MoU’s main goal is to align regulatory framework for the licensing and operation of port infrastructure for petroleum, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electricity. The move comes as the TNPA plans a number of sizeable LNG terminal projects at Richards Bay, Ngqura and Saldanha as part of its gas-to-power programme. The Richards Bay terminal is expected to be operational by 2028.

In addition, the TNPA is developing renewable energy infrastructure at the country’s eight commercial ports.

The two state-owned entities are setting up steering committees to focus on regulatory, technical or strategic aspects of the MoU.

The agreement follows the entities’ participation in a fuels industry risk assessment, which underscored logistics hurdles created by gaps in port infrastructure.

‘Ports play a crucial role in importing energy sources and components to support South Africa’s energy aspirations,’ says the TNPA’s acting CEO Phyllis Difeto.

2 September 2025
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