The Life After Coal campaign is dismayed to learn that Eskom is once again applying to postpone compliance with pollution standards. This time, it is re-applying for postponements of standards that it was legally required to meet almost two years ago, for its two coal-fired power stations in Limpopo – Medupi, which is under construction, and Matimba. In December 2013, … [Read more...]
South Africa slows nuclear power expansion plans
South Africa's government has slowed its nuclear power expansion plans, according to a draft energy paper, although state energy utility Eskom said the country should stick to its original plan of bringing a new plant online by 2025. South Africa has the continent's only nuclear power station and is seeking to expand its nuclear, wind, solar and coal power capacity in the … [Read more...]
9.4% electricity price hike coming in April
The National Energy Regulator (Nersa) approved a 9.4% electricity hike for 2016/17 on Tuesday. Eskom submitted an application to Nersa in November last year to recover R22.8bn, which the utility said it used to avert load shedding. The decision comes after extensive consultation with government, unions, small and intensive users, who engaged in public hearings in six … [Read more...]
A different type of grid is needed to solve SA’s energy challenge
South Africa would get a much better return on its energy investments if it planned a smarter and more flexible electricity grid, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) researcher Steve Hedden said on Tuesday. A better grid would also boost the contribution of wind and solar energy. Government’s response to power shortages and load-shedding has been a thrust towards more power … [Read more...]
Step 1: measure your energy usage
Step one in reducing our harmful footprints on the earth, is knowing how big they are. So the first dragon to be slayed on our heroic journey towards a greener planet is Ignorance himself. He blocks our path with his soft and cushy body and flirts with us in sweet voices of 'it's OK, it's not so bad' or 'just keep going, things will right themselves' or 'it's better than my … [Read more...]
