Blueprint for transition from coal is too ambitious
Attempts to meet the targets set out in the draft Integrated Resource Plan could have serious consequences
Reliable, cost-effective electricity is vital not only to improving people’s lives but to the economy’s ability to attract investment and create jobs. Our Integrated Resource Plan must be carefully calibrated to ensure energy security is not compromised. In particular, a rapid and aggressive transition away from coal will put the entire economy at risk. We need to strike the right balance. SA’s current draft Integrated Resource Plan is too ambitious; attempts to meet the targets could have serious consequences. It is important to recognise that coal provides 76% of SA’s energy at present, and the country is still investing large amounts of money in new coal generation. In addition, the country has large reserves of coal. It is important that the nation gets a proper return on its investment in this technology. At the same time, the coal industry employs 82,000 people earning more than R22bn a year and supports economic activity related to its value chain valued at R61bn a year. It i...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.