Civil society is concerned about National Treasury’s delay in releasing crucial information relevant to the future of coal-fired power plants in South Africa. Treasury announced in February this year that it had commissioned an independent review of Eskom’s 14 coal-fired power plants and that the review would be concluded by mid-2023. However, it has still not released … [Read more...]
Koeberg secrecy could result in more harm than good
For years, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) has been raising awareness about cost and safety concerns associated with Eskom’s plans to extend the lifespan of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant by a further 20 years. The energy crisis, which is now on stage 6 load shedding until further notice, continues to escalate and the government's … [Read more...]
Civil society groups appeal Kusile’s pollution exemption
To allow it to utilise temporary repairs at its Kusile power station in Mpumalanga, Eskom has been granted permission to bypass the plant’s Flu Gas Desulphurization (FGD) equipment and emit unabated sulphur dioxide (SO2) and increased mercury emissions, potentially up until 31 March 2025. The Vukani Environmental Movement (VEM) and groundWork (gW), represented by the Centre … [Read more...]
Skills needed for future energy sector in SA
“I am inspired, meet me at the top!” sounded the war cry of the Galactic Einsteins when they concluded their presentation at the Changemakers Junior Green Investment Pitch Session at the Enlit Africa conference and exhibition, which gathered energy, water and power sector stakeholders across the continent at the CTICC in Cape Town this week. The large team of 16 learners, … [Read more...]
The deadly plan to bypass pollution controls at Kusile
Eskom’s latest plan to get three units at Kusile coal power station in Mpumalanga back into operation would lead to unabated and increased sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution at a deadly health cost to local communities. The Life After Coal campaign (LAC), a joint campaign by Earthlife Africa (ELA), groundWork (gW), and the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has made legal … [Read more...]
Extending Koeberg’s lifespan by another 20 years not feasible
With little more than a week remaining until the deadline for public comment (16 March) on Eskom’s proposal to extend the functioning of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station - for an additional 20 years, until 2044 and 2045 for Units 1 and 2 respectively - civil society is calling for its closure in 2024 at the end of its lifespan. Concerns about the submission process not … [Read more...]
Accelerating the transition to a green economy in Africa
As Africa looks towards the future, moving towards a Green Economy that will create a better quality of life for its citizens is crucial. To accelerate this transition, 17 Sport and e-Movement have partnered to create Go Green Africa, a shared mission comprising organizations and individuals committed to driving Africa's transition to a Green Economy in a just and inclusive … [Read more...]
SA president opposes legally binding energy planning
Following a recent court application (brought in January 2023 ahead of the President's SONA speech) by The Green Connection and the Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI) – to review the President's failure or refusal to bring Section 6 of National Energy Act, 2008 (NEA) into operation – both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Gwede Mantashe have … [Read more...]
Join the march for a million climate jobs
On November 12th, people across the world are taking to the streets to demand real climate justice as the 27th annual United Nations Climate Summit (COP27) takes place in Egypt. Here in South Africa, we will join the Global Day of Climate Action. We will stand in solidarity with people across the globe, with Egyptians struggling for simple civil and political freedom, and … [Read more...]
Municipalities can play a key role in resolving the energy gap
South Africa’s energy shortage is having a profound impact on its cities. Economic growth and jobs continue to be affected at a time when cities urgently need to recover from the COVID-19 crisis to retain their competitiveness and attractiveness. Craig Kesson, PwC South Africa Advisory Partner and Cities Leader, says: “Resolving the energy shortfall requires a collective … [Read more...]
Tariff increases only benefit a failing Eskom
Eskom is seeking to increase its electricity prices again, by 38.10% for the 2023/24 financial year, estimated revenue of R335-billion in its latest request to the National Energy Regulator (Nersa). This most recent request is a part of Eskom’s next Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD5) revenue application, coming at a time of ongoing power cuts, that are euphemistically … [Read more...]
Help ease load shedding by saving electricity
Switching off a light when you don't need it can help ease the load on the grid, which in turn could help avoid the severe impacts of load shedding. Did you know that a single 100 Watt incandescent bulb uses 90% of its electricity to produce heat and that you would need at least 50 watts of air conditioning to maintain the room temperature when this single light bulb is … [Read more...]
Renewable energy solutions leaving small businesses in the dark
Although Eskom and government provide support for large renewable energy projects designed to bridge the power gap on a number of levels, there is still an important piece missing from these initiatives. Owen Murphy, Tax Specialist at BDO, shares some insights around the role government plays in supporting small businesses in the energy crisis. A recent announcement by … [Read more...]
