AfrElec: South Africa’s state utility Eskom allowed to run five polluting coal plants until 2030

South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has received government approval to keep operating five of its old polluting coal power plants until 2030. The plants now can run without meeting minimum emission requirements for five years after the country implements a limit on plants’ emissions in 2025.

Initially, it was determined that Eskom’s Hendrina, Grootvlei, Arnot, Camden and Kriel power stations would exceed the limits of pollutants coming into force next year. However, the utility has appealed to Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy to keep these plants operational for longer.

Creecy has granted Eskom’s request for the suspension of minimum emission standards (MES) limits at the five power plants, following an appeals and consultation process, Business Day reported on June 20.

“This allows these stations to continue to operate at existing MES plant limits until March 31 2030,” Eskom said as cited by the media outlet.

If you would like to read more about the key events shaping the African energy sector, then please click here for NewsBase's AfrElec Monitor.