About 80% of the power supply in South Africa is thermally generated, and 59% of the power generation facilities have ceased operation due to aging components, failed systems, and other causes.

South Africa president Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster on February 9 due to the worsening electricity shortages.

Power shortage in South Africa was expected to last until August 2023, and related industries should be alarmed regarding decreased chromium supply and rising prices in the near future.