South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, is resolute in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 71 million metric tons annually by 2030.
The new CEO, Dan Marokane, affirmed this target despite the decision to postpone the retirement of six coal-fired power stations.
Prioritizing Ending Power Blackouts:
Marokane emphasized that Eskom’s immediate priority is to address the persistent power outages that have significantly impacted the South African economy in recent years.
Improved coal fleet maintenance and the integration of 5 gigawatts of private solar installations have contributed to a temporary halt in blackouts over the past three months.
Reaffirming the 2030 Carbon Reduction Goal:
In an interview, Marokane reiterated Eskom’s dedication to achieving its carbon reduction target, stating, “We have a target that is clear to be met by 2030. That is the 71-million tons equivalent of CO2 (reduction). That target remains. We will meet it.”
South Africa is among the world’s leading greenhouse gas emitters, with the highest carbon intensity among the G20 nations due to its heavy reliance on coal for power generation, as reported by Climate Transparency.
Shifting Focus Towards Renewables:
While previous concerns existed about meeting Paris Agreement targets due to changes in coal plant decommissioning plans, Marokane outlined a revised strategy. The focus now lies on curbing emissions from three existing coal power stations and optimizing the remaining fleet for reduced emissions.
Eskom plans to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy capacity to reduce the need for coal-fired power generation. This approach will be crucial in achieving the 2030 emission reduction goals.
Expanding Transmission Capacity:
Marokane stressed the necessity of a substantial expansion of transmission infrastructure to accommodate the increased renewable energy generation. He noted the ambitious goal of 1,400 kilometers of transmission lines per year, while acknowledging past challenges in reaching this target.
Over the next decade, Eskom aims to invest 300 billion rand ($16 billion) in transmission capacity, with nearly half of this amount expected to come from the private sector. Marokane expressed optimism that regulatory clarity on tariffs would encourage private investment in the latter half of the year.
Balancing Energy Security and Environmental Goals:
With abundant solar and wind resources, South Africa is considered a test case for a successful transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. However, even some developed nations are revisiting their climate pledges for 2030 due to concerns about energy security.
Marokane acknowledged the growing consensus on the importance of energy security, emphasizing the need for a careful and considered approach to South Africa’s transition to green energy.