Experts say that the government’s “vested interest in coal is hamstringing South Africa.” This specifically refers to South Africa’s coal-fired power plants which generate the majority of the country’s electricity.
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A report from Daily Investor has suggested that the reliance on coal is no accident. Vested interests are working against the installation of renewable energy that could potentially solve loadshedding and save lives from climate change.
COAL IS HAMSTRINGING SOUTH AFRICA
Ironically, this opinion comes just days after EFF leader Julius Malema said, “We must never allow coal to leave Mpumalanga, because without coal, there is no Mpumalanga.” This is the home of Sasol’s Secunda plant. However, the view that coal is hamstringing South Africa comes courtesy of the Centre for Environmental Rights’ (CER).
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The South African Presidential Climate Commission recently dismissed a report that said the country would miss a 2030 emissions reduction target. In response, the CER is quoted as saying South Africa has a vested interest in coal and that’s why there has been no progress on renewable energy.
EXTENDING LIFE OF COAL-FIRED PLANTS
Earlier this week it was reported that South Africa is considering keeping some of its coal-fired power plants open for longer than initially planned. Coal-fired plants currently supply 80% of the country’s power, and without them, there would be widespread loadshedding.
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Having spent billions constructing and maintaining coal-fired power plants, they do not produce enough electricity and are falling further behind the growing demand. CER says South Africa needs to do a full cost-benefit analysis of its coal-fired power plants over their lifetime.
NO MORE CLIMATE FINANCE
The CER also said South Africa’s vested interest in coal and its refusal to transition to renewable energy will limit access to future climate finance schemes. There is a ‘gunfight’ currently occurring in the country’s energy space. “If we delay decommissioning coal-fired plants, keep developing carbon-intensive projects and extracting gas on- and off-shore, we are going backwards,” concluded CER.
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Do you think coal is hamstringing South Africa? Would renewable energy solve our loadshedding and climate problems? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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