South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET): The world is changing from reliance on fossil fuels to adapting more greener energy solutions. Governments globally have pledged to reduce greenhouse gases by 43% by 2030.
Scientists have identified coal as one of the leading sources of pollution, contributing 40% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is said to be the main culprit behind climate change.
South Africa, which produces coal for export, relies heavily on the material to produce power.
Roughly 80% of its power generation arises from coal. But most of its coal-fired stations are old and need maintenance.
South Africa’s state-owned energy giant, Eskom, has also come under fire in recent years for deferring crucial maintenance on its ageing infrastructure, adding to its power generation woes.
Citizens in high-volume neighbourhoods can sometimes go days without a power supply, which has had a devastating knock-on effect on small businesses and poorer households.
Also Read: South Africa chairs continent’s Green Hydrogen Alliance
Just energy transition
South Africa forged the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) at the UN Climate Conference (COP26) in 2021.
Partner countries are France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. These countries pledged an initial US$8.5 billion over a period of three to five years to support the first phase of JETP.
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, says the transition will be gradual for a nation heavily reliant on coal.
“Initially, the South African government, in its policy framework, noted that it would require US$8.7 billion to achieve the country’s low-carbon future. But, it will take more than $8.7 billion to achieve the goal of a Just Energy Transition,” said Ramokgopa.
One of the main concerns underpinning South Africa’s ambitious JETP is how the move to green energy will affect coal-dependent communities and workers in the sector.
Coal also plays a crucial role in supply to the South African chemicals industry and is an essential component of its steelmaking industry.
However, the South African government has adopted green hydrogen as the most effective pathway to JET.
Ramakgopa was appointed chair of the first Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) at last week’s Inaugural Africa Climate Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
