'suicidal and reckless'

South Africa: 2030 coal-plants closures doubtful as ministers backtrack

By Ray Mwareya

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Posted on May 8, 2023 09:48

© A general view of the coal-fired Tutuka power plant operated by Eskom in Standerton, on December 18, 2022. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP) — A general view of the coal-fired Tutuka power plant operated by Eskom in Standerton, on December 18, 2022. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)

At COP26 in 2021, South Africa told rich Western nations that it will close seven of 15 of its coal power plants by 2030 in exchange for up to $8.5bn. Today, that green transition deal looks doubtful as multiple ministers in South Africa take turns to verbally walk back on the promise.

South Africa has 15 coal-fired power plants which produce 80% of its electricity. Though it agreed to shut down seven of its coal plants by 2030, the promise looks shaky as a punishing electricity shortage crisis deepens.

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