South Africa aims to transition from high to low carbon emissions while ensuring the vulnerable and affected communities are not left behind.
- Just and Balanced Approach: The government advocates for a just transition that considers both the country’s socio-economic needs and environmental preservation, rather than a simple shift from coal to renewables.
- Job Impact and Community Concerns: The transition from coal-powered stations, which release high carbon emissions, may lead to job losses in the coal mining sector and affect communities. The government acknowledges the need to address these socio-economic conditions.
- Resisting External Pressures: South Africa aims to protect its developmental needs and not be influenced by developed nations that prioritize their own environmental interests over the country’s socio-economic growth.
- Procuring Renewable Energy: The government has increased the pace of procuring energy from renewable sources in line with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019). Currently, 6GW of energy generation capacity comes from renewable sources, with plans for additional capacity.
- Challenges and Policy Choices: While developed nations focus on clean energy systems, South Africa faces the challenge of achieving universal access to electricity while addressing climate change and energy poverty.