According to the head of the South African energy cluster at Sasol, Dr Benny Mokaba, "the company is doing all it can to assist and has already taken several steps to help alleviate the situation."

 

Sasol already generates more than 30% of its total electricity requirements. Short term measures include de-commissioning certain equipment which will reduce electricity demand from Eskom at our synthetic fuels facility in Secunda.

 

It is important to note that while this will impact on production volumes, we will maintain our petrol and diesel output for the foreseeable future, by making use of intermediate stocks. We confirm that supply to customers will be maintained and will review the situation daily with Eskom.

 

Sasol, which is one of South Africa's leaders in in-house electricity generation, has committed to optimizing electricity consumption, a move it had already taken in line with its efforts to improve energy self-sufficiency, for the good of both the company and power needs of the country.

 

Dr Mokaba has explained that "in an effort to reduce electricity demand from Eskom significantly, the company plans to increase on-site power generation at the Secunda plant by 280MW by 2011. As part of this initiative, the Sasol Board has approved funds for the installation of gas turbines to power a planned electricity plant fuelled by gas at Secunda".

 

Ends…

 

For more information

 

Johann van Rheede, Sasol Media Manager

Direct telephone +27 (011) 441-3295; Mobile +27 (0) 82329 0186; johann.vanrheede@sasol.com

 

David Hlabane, Sasol Stakeholder Relations Manager

Direct telephone +27 441-3277; Mobile +27 082 808 4627; david.hlabane@sasol.com