Power Grid: Middle East/South Africa is an expansion for the board game Power Grid.
Middle East
For decades, the Middle East has enjoyed an abundance of oil. However, in the near future, this region faces the threat of so-called "peak oil": the point at which oil well production begins to decline. Several countries in the region already operate nuclear power plants, and their number is expected to grow as oil reserves decrease. Other energy sources are also likely to play an important role, such as recycling plastic waste.
Players begin the game with an exceptionally large supply of oil. In addition, they have access to abundant natural gas (represented by coal tokens in the base game) and a few solar power plants (the green power plants). However, at the start of the game, players cannot purchase nuclear or waste-fueled power plants.
During Step 2, the plentiful supplies of oil and natural gas begin to diminish. Nuclear and waste-fueled power plants then become available as alternatives. As a result, players are forced to adapt their mix of power plants midway through the game.
South Africa
The energy supply in South Africa is managed almost entirely by a single energy utility, which is the seventh-largest energy provider in the world by energy production. Approximately 90% of the country's electricity is generated by coal-fired power plants. In addition, South Africa uses a number of nuclear power plants as well as environmentally friendly hydroelectric and wind power stations.
Due to its size, this utility also supplies energy to much of the rest of Africa. Therefore, the game board features six international power connections and a large supply of available coal.
