The Final Countdown for Coal?

5 years…. that is how long Eskom has to meet the emission standards for the bulk of their coal fleet.

By 1st April 2030, Dr Dion George, Minister for the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the environment, declared that Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Medupi, Matimba, and Tutuka must meet the emissions requirements or face the risk of being shut down. The only exceptions to this are Duvha and Matla which are granted an exemption until 2034.

This could either mean that by 2030, South Africa could lose 23.7GW of capacity due to forced shutdowns or Eskom embarks on a costly journey to retrofit emission abatement equipment which comes with its own environmental challenges (such as significant water requirements).  

Intended to exert (not “undue”) pressure on Eskom, this position seeks to accelerate the Just Energy Transition by forcing the enablement of more IPP’s (read renewable energy) and create cleaner air for all those impacted by the current coal fleet. A bold but necessary move to force change and ensure that the ESI restructuring work through the NTCSA continues without the monopolistic influence from Eskom.

FlexED welcomes the statements made by the Minister and hopes that there will be coordination and alignment with the other Ministries to ensure that energy security for the country is not compromised in the energy transition. 

https://www.dffe.gov.za/speeches/george_eskomemissionsstandards