With 673 hours of darkness in the first six months of 2022 so far alone, this year looks set to overtake 2021’s record amount of load shedding, while energy experts have raised the spectre of unprecedented stage 8 blackouts. And as winter cold sets in and heaters turn up, Eskom has warned of constraints on the national grid and just announced the restart of load … [Read more...]
Loadshedding may be worst by 2026
Meridian Economics has published its Resolving the Power Crisis analysis of SA’s energy sector, which suggests that load shedding may be ten times worse by 2026 and that an additional 5GW of renewable energy capacity could have essentially solved load shedding in 2021 at a cost saving to Eskom. In response to this development Greenpeace Africa Climate and Energy campaigner … [Read more...]
Revision of SA’s Integrated Resource Plan needed
With legal action in progress against the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), Karpowerships SA and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, The Green Connection says it is happy that no Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the companies were signed, today. The Green Connection's Strategic Lead Liziwe McDaid says, “As the climate crisis intensifies, South … [Read more...]
NERSA opposes decision to block Karpowership licenses
On Thursday 19 May, the same day that the minister of Mineral Resources and Energy laid out the department’s uninspiring budget for 2022/23, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) notified The Green Connection that it will oppose the NGO’s court application to review and set aside the decision to grant three electricity generation licenses to Karpowership … [Read more...]
NNR CEO resigns after Koeberg approvals as legal battles loom
Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) Francesca de Gasparis, said: “The resignation of Dr. Tyobeka is the latest loss in a series of highly skilled nuclear expertise from the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant. “Dr Tyobeka was in his post of CEO of the NNR for over eight years. His resignation comes at a time when … [Read more...]
South African Investment Conference highlights nation’s resilience
African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina has pledged his institution’s support for South Africa, announcing a $2.8 billion package for the country over the next five years. Some $400 million (ZAR 6 billion) will support South Africa’s Eskom and the country’s energy transition. Adesina was speaking at the opening of the South Africa Investment … [Read more...]
Landmark licencing of private electricity trader set to transform SA energy
A new South African private electricity trading company is set to transform the country’s power market after recently being awarded a landmark licence that allows it to transport energy from independent power producers (IPPs) to private end-users in any location across the municipal and national electricity grid. Awarded in February 2022, Enpower Trading is the second … [Read more...]
Mpumalanga air pollution declared a violation of constitutional rights
Today environmental justice groups celebrate a landmark judgment in the #DeadlyAir case as a victory for environmental justice in South Africa with far-reaching consequences. In the judgment, the High Court has recognised the poor air quality in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Highveld region as a breach of residents’ Constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to … [Read more...]
Is the Koeberg lifespan extension really a good idea?
The latest announcement from Eskom that ‘planned maintenance’ work has stalled at Koeberg nuclear power station, due to a lack of preparation, is just more evidence that citizens should be concerned about Eskom’s nuclear management and readiness, says the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI). Following January’s announcement that Unit 2 of the … [Read more...]
Community-based just transition dialogues are a must
Last year, with the climate crises getting worse, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg kicked-off – in various communities in Limpopo, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape – what may be its most important campaign yet, the Just Transition Public Participation Dialogues. In a bid to ensure that communities are not left behind as the country moves toward the just transition, Earthlife Africa is … [Read more...]
Cutting ties with fossil fuels critical to SA’s future
Amidst blackouts, rampant electricity tariff hikes, and the mounting economic costs of air pollution, South Africa urgently needs to begin cutting its ties with fossil fuels and speed the transition to renewable energy to secure a better future for the country, says Alumo Energy Managing Director Rein Snoeck Henkemans. “Despite President Ramaphosa’s commitment to new energy … [Read more...]
Nuclear regulatory decision-making process lacks transparency
“It has been nearly two weeks since Minister Gwede Mantashe suspended the civil society representative on the board of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and still the public is none the wiser as to why. Many in the energy justice space are questioning the timing of the suspension as Koeberg unit 2 is shut down. The aim of the NNR board is to ensure nuclear safety and to … [Read more...]
Have your say on the South African Gas Master Plan
Please comment on the proposed Gas Master Plan by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). Here follows an excerpt from their basecase report regarding the importance of gas in the future energy mix: "At just 2.6% of the country’s total energy mix, South Africa’s natural gas market is small, but with all its inherent benefits, it has the potential to completely … [Read more...]
