Green energy: Resources available but political will needed

Extending coal-fired power stations’ life cycles is a death sentence for South Africans The extension of coal power plants beyond their life cycles in South Africa is not just a red flag for climate change, but an outrageous act of negligence and irresponsibility towards the environment and future generations.

The interests of the fossil fuel industry and short-term economic gains are being prioritised over humanity’s well-being and our planet’s health.

Crisis

Given the current electricity crisis and as a concerned member of society, I would not object to the extension of coal plants under strictly enforced parameters.

Firstly, that the government, spearheaded by Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the Minister of Minerals Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, do not invest more money on coal plants than it would cost for Eskom to build renewable energy rapidly.

On more than one occasion, South Africans have witnessed how budgets for similar types of projects are black holes, while evidence suggests there is little appetite for the rapid scaling of renewable energy investments.

Coal plant extensions

Secondly, there must be very clear end dates for the coal plant extensions and sufficient engagement with fenceline communities around the plants, such as Komati.

The state has an aversion to setting and sticking to timelines. For example, previously, civil society organisations questioned recommendations that timelines regarding environmental impact assessments (EIAs) – for strategic infrastructure projects – be reduced from 107 to 57 days.

The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment was on course to implement exemptions from EIA requirements for certain energy projects to encourage energy generation.

The department had identified solar photovoltaic power generation and specific transmission infrastructure for these exemptions, as this typically poses little risk to the surrounding environment.

To date, the civil society organisations are still waiting for the department’s commitment to terminate these exemptions.

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Impacts

Furthermore, the scientific consensus on the devastating impacts of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions is irrefutable.

Continuing to operate coal power plants beyond their life cycles only exacerbates these impacts, perpetuating the cycle of destruction and risking irreversible damage to our ecosystems, economies, and societies.

The extension of coal power plants’ life cycles threatens the health and livelihoods of local communities. The toxic pollutants these plants release contribute to respiratory illnesses, premature deaths and other health issues.

The blatant disregard for the health and safety of communities is an egregious violation of their human rights and a shameful reminder of the unequal distribution of environmental burdens.

South Africa must urgently transition to renewable energy sources to protect the planet and future generations.

Half-measures and empty promises are not enough. Bold and decisive action is required to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure a sustainable future.

Unfortunately, South Africa’s leaders refuse to lead. Civil society must rise to the occasion and demand action from those in power.

We cannot allow corporations and governments to prioritise short-term economic interests over the long-term survival of our country and planet.

Urgent transition

Instead, we must demand a just and urgent transition to renewable energy sources and hold accountable those who refuse to act.

We have the technology and resources to make this transition a reality, but we need political will and collective action to see it through.

The time for complacency and inaction is over. The fate of our planet and future generations depends on it.

READ MORE: Renewable energy for SA – expert weighs in

-Lukuko is SA coordinator for the Climate Action Network