US official blames lack of political will for South Africa’s power crisis

US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo attributes South Africa’s power-supply crisis to a lack of political will.

1. Adeyemo urges the country to expand its transmission network and shift away from coal for electricity generation.
2. South Africa experiences frequent power outages due to reliance on aging and poorly maintained coal-fired power plants.
3. The US is willing to help fund South Africa’s energy transition through a $9.3 billion climate finance pact.
4. The US Treasury expresses frustration as South Africa has not taken up $2.5 billion in cheap loans offered through the pact.
5. Adeyemo emphasizes that enabling renewable energy development is crucial for ending the electricity crisis sustainably and cost-effectively.
6. Adeyemo suggests providing incentives for investment in mining metals needed for renewable energy plants and electric vehicle batteries while addressing corruption.