- Eskom’s CEO confirms a 71 million metric ton annual carbon emissions reduction by 2030 despite continuing operation of six coal plants.
- Blackouts halted for three months due to better coal plant maintenance and 5 gigawatts of private solar power.
- Plans for emissions cuts include reducing output at essential coal plants and aggressively expanding renewable energy capacity.
Eskom, South Africa’s state power firm, will reduce carbon emissions by 71 million metric tons annually by 2030, said CEO Dan Marokane on Friday, despite not retiring six coal-fired power stations.
Marokane said Eskom’s urgent focus is ending the blackouts, weakening the nation’s economy. Better maintenance of coal plants and 5 gigawatts of private solar power have halted the blackouts in the past three months.
“Our 2030 goal is a 71-million-ton CO2 cut,” Marokane told Reuters. “We will meet that target.”
Climate Transparency, a watchdog, ranks South Africa among the top 15 global greenhouse gas emitters and notes it has the highest carbon intensity in the G20 due to coal reliance. Officials previously doubted meeting Paris Agreement goals—reducing emissions to 350-420 million tons by 2030 from 442 million tons in 2020—after reversing plans to close eight coal plants, including six by 2030.
Marouane said emissions cuts would come from reducing output at three stations and from cuts at other plants. An aggressive rollout of renewable energy will replace some coal use.
“We’re building our renewable portfolio now,” Marokane said.
Eskom aims to expand its transmission capacity, targeting 1,400 km annually, but has yet to reach 850 km in its best years. This will cost 300 billion rand ($16 billion) over ten years, nearly half sought from private investors. Marokane expects regulatory clarity on tariffs this year to attract investments.
With vital solar and wind resources, South Africa is a test case for shifting from fossil fuels to renewables. Despite some nations backing off 2030 climate pledges, Marokane stressed the need for a balanced transition to green energy.
($1 = 18.2003 rand)