While South Africa had raised hopes by announcing a partnership for an energy transition at COP26, the country continues to struggle to do without fossil fuels. The energy crisis is one of the main reasons explaining these difficulties. Indeed, South Africa has not anticipated or implemented alternatives to coal energy quickly enough, which leads to the extension of the lifespan of aging power plants.
This dependence on coal is all the more problematic as the country does not yet have other sources of renewable energy. Wind, solar energy and renewable batteries are lacking, thus preventing the risk of load shedding from being mitigated.
It is therefore clear that South Africa must accelerate its energy transition and diversify its energy mix. Massive investments are needed to reduce dependence on coal, develop renewable energy, strengthen the electricity grid and support social and economic programs, particularly in regions like Mpumalanga, which concentrate coal-related activities.
However, although funding has been provided for in the partnership for an energy transition, it remains insufficient to meet the country’s real needs. It would take ten times more investment to truly reduce dependence on coal and achieve climate goals. The challenge is therefore immense for South Africa, which finds itself faced with the need to transform an entire economy based on fossil fuels in a very short period of time.
The development of new coal mines also represents an obstacle in this transition. As the country seeks to reduce coal consumption, new mines continue to be mined, producing more coal than needed. This risks not only moving the country further from its climate goals, but also creating social and economic problems when these mines close.
It is therefore crucial to put in place transition programs that take into account the consequences on workers and communities. We must anticipate the post-coal era by developing new projects that will guarantee an economic and social future for regions dependent on coal.
In conclusion, South Africa must redouble its efforts to accelerate its energy transition and reduce its dependence on coal. This involves massive investments, targeted social and economic programs, as well as anticipation of the future after the closure of coal mines. The road ahead is certainly difficult, but it is essential that the country implements ambitious measures to preserve the environment and build a more sustainable future.