Eskom’s emission reduction goals require urgent government action
18 August 2021
On 2 March, the DA requested that Eskom present to the portfolio committee of forestry, fisheries and the environment on their levels of compliance with greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The committee agreed to the DA’s proposal and this presentation was made to the committee yesterday by Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter. The presentation showed that Eskom intends to move towards a greener future but there remains considerable uncertainty as to how they will get there and how long the process will take.
The presenters emphasized that the national government will need to play a far more active role in the process, something which has been severely lacking from ANC ministers for many years. Whilst the current Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy has spoken out strongly in favour of reducing carbon emissions, we have not seen the same level of enthusiasm for the rollout of renewable energy by her colleague in the department of Mineral Resources and Energy. In the continued absence of a congruent position on climate change, the government will find itself in a perpetual position of intransigence, unable to properly commit to the type of drastic change that is required.
The findings of the most recent UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on climate change have shown that a unanimous and concerted focus on the urgent provision of renewable energy projects is essential if we are to minimize the devastating impacts of man-made climate change. South Africa is currently the 12th highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world and whilst it is tempting to place the majority of the responsibility on the developed world, it is vital that we play our part as well. During their presentation to the committee, Eskom was at pains to point out the delicate balance between environmental concerns and the socio-economic impact of shifting away from coal towards renewable energy. The reality is that the coal sector will inevitably be impacted over the coming years with an estimated 40% decrease in jobs by 2050. Defeatist navel-gazing about the decline of the coal sector is not helpful and is a challenge we must face head-on. Government must focus on ensuring that South Africa is able to adapt by aggressively investing in new solar and wind projects and not giant gas powerships. The renewables industry will provide many new jobs, presenting an opportunity to empower more people and provide safer working environments.
The real challenge remains how to achieve the just transition towards a renewable future and central to achieving this goal is access to climate finance. At yesterday’s meeting Eskom advised that if the current status quo continues they will only be able to catch up with global emission reduction standards by 2050. It is a fact that the ANC has run Eskom into the ground with 2020 seeing the highest levels of load-shedding in five years but this cannot be used as an excuse. If a just transition is to be achieved, it will require significant investment in order to build the infrastructure needed as well as the new skillsets. Hundreds of billions of rands are urgently needed and although Eskom have stated their intentions to find some of this money via loans from development institutions and other entities, more has to be done to lobby internationally for additional finance. The 26th Congress of the Parties (COP26) will provide the perfect opportunity for South Africa and Minister Creecy to do just this. It is essential that the Minister keeps her eyes firmly fixed on the path ahead so that we can move forward towards a brighter future. If not, South Africa may be left behind as carrion on the hot, dusty wayside.
Issued by Dave Bryant, DA Shadow Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, 18 August 2021
