That was the feeling amongst throngs of professional guests who graced the launch of DNG Energy that had received its first consignment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck.
The company, which is driving a multibillion-dollar investment into creating a pan-African LNG supply network, said the development was a precursor to the commissioning of DNG’s first floating storage unit delivery in the first quarter of next year, setting the stage for a new era of growth, competition and sustainability in the energy market.
Initially meant to launch in November, the launch took place in December last week as a result of a production delay, exacerbated by the pandemic.
A truck worth millions was unveiled to local and international guests at the rainy/sunny Wanderers Stadium, in Joburg
DNG Energy is a black-owned firm, headed by serial entrepreneur and group chief executive Aldworth Mbalati- a Limpopo born.
The smooth talking Mbalati, said arrival of the LNG consignment was a point for South Africa’s energy market, marking a key moment in the shift from coal-fired and oil-fired power-generation to cleaner alternatives.
“Along with renewables like wind and solar, the new generation of gas technology brings low-cost power production capabilities to the market on a massive scale,” he told guests.
“In the context of South Africa’s just energy transition, LNG represents an excellent alternative that will help cut greenhouse gas 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 provide power to a growth population as the world transitions towards a zero-carbon energy future.”
According to Mbalati, this affordable alternative energy is the culmination of a $5 billion (R76bn), seven-year investment in infrastructure.
“We look at the LNG value chain in a holistic way, from source to consumption, with ambitious expansion infrastructure plans for South Africa, Mozambique, and Nigeria,” continued Mbalati.
“Over the next few years, LNG has the potential to drive significant growth and job creation, while helping South Africa meet its targets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 30 percent to 40 percent.”
As a first step in contributing to sustainable development, DNG Energy said it was championing the use of LNG for road and maritime transport, specifically for trucks, buses and ships.
DNG Energy had commissioned South African Shipyards in Durban to build an 8 000 ton LNG Barge that would be moored at Coega, which it said would be the largest vessel by weight ever to be built in Africa and was expected into service this year.
Guests, who also gave a speech, included the Premier of Northern Cape Dr Zamani Saul, MEC for Economic and Development in Gauteng Parks Tau, newly installed Mayor of Joburg Dr Mpho Phalatse, deputy minister Police Caswell Mathale, amongst others.
Image SLM (DNG Energy founder and CE Aldworth Mbalati standing behind the specifically designed energy truck worth millions conducting an interview at the launch).
