AfrElec: South Africa’s national energy plan slammed by Presidential Climate Commission

South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has lambasted the energy ministry’s strategy for addressing the nation’s power supply crisis.

According to the commission, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), put together by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), is insufficient and neglectful of crucial air quality and climate change concerns, thereby conflicting with both domestic legislation and international agreements.

The critique from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s advisory body on climate issues highlights the discord within the government, stemming from its heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation, Bloomberg reported on February 19.

The PCC has been advocating for a transition towards greener energy alternatives, while Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has staunchly defended the continued use of coal, citing its necessity for both electricity provision and job retention.

This discord is exacerbated by an ongoing power supply crisis, which is wreaking havoc on the economy due to frequent breakdowns in the country’s coal-fired power plants, responsible for over 80% of South Africa’s electricity output.

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