South African officials have taken a controversial step to address the country’s persistent electricity shortages by allowing some coal-fired power plants to operate without adhering to emissions regulations. This move, announced by Environment Minister Dion George, permits eight coal-fired plants run by Eskom, the state-owned utility, to bypass emission rules for a specified period. The Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Matimba, Medupi, and Tutuka plants have been granted a five-year exemption, while the Duvha and Matla facilities have been exempted until 2034, coinciding with their scheduled retirement. Additionally, five other Eskom-operated plants have been granted exemptions until June 2030.
George emphasized that these exemptions are not a blanket reprieve but are tailored to each facility with stringent conditions. The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment will require Eskom to enhance its monitoring of power plant emissions, appoint environmental health specialists, and provide mobile health clinics. This decision comes amidst ongoing power supply shortages, which have resulted in hours-long blackouts and load-shedding measures to protect the power grid. South Africa relies on coal for more than 80% of its power generation, and the country has long struggled with producing enough electricity to support its growing economy.
Eskom has previously stated that retrofitting aging power plants with emissions control technology would be too costly. Many of the utility’s coal-fired facilities have been in operation for three decades or more. A recent report from the South African Medical Research Council and the UK’s Department for International Development highlighted the health impacts of living near coal-fired power stations. The study found that people in areas around the Mpumalanga province’s coal belt had a 6% higher mortality rate, along with higher rates of birth defects, cardiovascular, and lung diseases.
George acknowledged the need for a balanced approach, stating, “We want enough electricity to grow our economy, and we want clean, breathable air. It is completely unacceptable when our children have problems with their lungs, and babies are born with cleft palates.” This sentiment underscores the delicate balance South Africa must strike between meeting immediate energy needs and addressing long-term environmental and health concerns.
The decision to allow these exemptions has sparked debate within the energy sector. Critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially delaying the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources. Proponents, however, point to the urgent need for a stable power supply to support economic growth. Eskom officials have indicated that they are reviewing the order and remain committed to reducing the negative societal impacts of their coal-fired fleet.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s power supply continues to face challenges due to delays in constructing new generation capacity. The country’s lone nuclear power plant, the Koeberg station, experienced an unplanned shutdown of Unit 2 earlier this month, further straining the grid. Koeberg, which provides about 5% of South Africa’s electricity, has been in operation since the 1970s and 1980s. The country has also discussed building more nuclear power plants, but progress has been slow.
Renewable energy currently accounts for less than 10% of South Africa’s power supply. Officials have set a goal for at least one-third of the country’s electricity to come from renewables by 2030, a target that would require significant investment. Three utility-scale solar farms are planned for construction this year by JUWI South Africa, a major solar power developer. These projects, totaling about 340 MW of generation capacity, include facilities for Teraco Data Centres, Sasol and Air Liquide, and Glencore Mine. Richard Doyle, managing director of JUWI Renewable Energies, highlighted the critical role of private sector leadership in driving South Africa’s energy transition. “These projects underscore the critical role of private sector leadership in driving South Africa’s energy transition,” said Doyle. “As one of the pioneers of the country’s renewable energy sector, JUWI is proud to partner with energy-intensive industries and IPPs to deliver innovative projects that enhance energy resilience, reduce emissions, and accelerate progress toward net zero. These projects reflect our commitment to building a sustainable energy future for South Africa.”
The move to exempt coal-fired plants from emissions regulations is likely to shape the development of South Africa’s energy sector in several ways. It may accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects as the country seeks to meet its 2030 targets. The private sector’s involvement in renewable energy projects could also drive innovation and investment in cleaner energy sources. However, the exemptions for coal-fired plants may also delay the retirement of older, more polluting facilities, prolonging the health and environmental impacts associated with coal-fired power generation. As South Africa navigates these challenges, the decisions made today will have lasting implications
