- A similar government decision last year allowed five ageing coal plants to remain operational for five years beyond 2025, when new emission limits were initially set to take effect.
- South Africa relies heavily on coal for its energy security, with 85 per cent of its electricity generated from coal-fired power plants.
South Africa has granted emissions exemptions to eight coal-fired power plants operated by state utility Eskom, allowing them to exceed air pollution limits for the next decade. The decision highlights the country’s struggle to balance energy security with environmental commitments, as coal remains the backbone of its power generation.
Six of the affected power plants have been granted a five-year exemption, permitting them to exceed emissions thresholds outlined in South Africa’s air quality regulations. Meanwhile, two other plants will be exempted until 2034, their scheduled decommissioning year.
Despite these exemptions, Environment Minister Dion George emphasised in a press conference on Monday that they are not a “blanket reprieve” but are tailored to each facility with strict conditions.
The move follows a similar government decision last year, allowing five ageing coal plants to remain operational for five years beyond 2025 when new emission limits were initially set to take effect.
South Africa, one of the world’s largest coal producers and exporters, continues to rely heavily on coal for its energy security. Eighty-five per cent of its electricity is generated from coal-fired power plants.
The government has faced mounting pressure to expand renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. However, persistent power shortages and economic constraints have made an immediate transition difficult.
South Africa also seeks billions of dollars from international lenders and partners for its Just Energy Transition plan, a strategy to gradually transition away from fossil fuels while ensuring economic stability.
Minister George reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to clean energy despite the continued reliance on coal, stating that a transition to renewables is essential.
“The transition to renewable energy is not negotiable,” he said. “South Africa’s economic future depends on more renewable energy entering the grid, not less.”
As the country navigates its energy challenges, the exemptions granted to Eskom’s coal plants underscore the difficult trade-offs between environmental commitments and economic survival. While renewable energy expansion remains a long-term goal, South Africa’s immediate focus appears to be keeping the lights on, even if it means temporarily increasing emissions.