Tensions in the energy sector are growing
Eskom’s autocratic behaviour and resistance of renewable energy supply shows the need for a credible, forward-looking plan
It may be tempting for the new Minister of Energy, Mmamoloko Kubayi, to hang back as stakeholders, such as union federation Cosatu and independent power producers, contest Eskom’s autocratic behaviour and pronouncements for the electricity system, but it would be doing a disservice to the country, particularly people expecting to be around for 30 years or more. Tensions between long-term and short-term interests are growing ever more pronounced in the energy sector, but continue to be ignored as strategic choices are contested only in relation to short-term interests, as if we were in permanent crisis mode, even when we have spare generation capacity. The recent announcement by Eskom of the imminent closure of some coal-fired power plants and the opposition to this by Cosatu, highlight the reasons for national policy and legislation providing for proper energy planning, including integrated resource planning (IRP) for the electricity sector. Eskom’s ongoing obstruction of renewable ...
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