While South Africa continues to oppose unilateral and coercive carbon adjustment measures by developed economies, the country also realises the need to reduce its reliance on carbon-intensive energy production.

President Cyril Ramaphosa shared this sentiment at the Municipal Just Energy Transition Conference in Midrand earlier this week.

“Our Integrated Resource Plan outlines a strategic energy mix to meet our decarbonisation goals over the medium to long term. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme has drawn over R209 billion in investment and bolstered the country’s electricity grid with essential new capacity.”

Regulatory changes introduced in 2021, to increase the licensing threshold for generation projects, resulted in a pipeline of over 130 confirmed projects – approximately 22 500 MW of capacity with an estimated investment value of R390 billion, he said.

Rapid, sustainable and inclusive economic growth is a key priority for the government of national unity with low-carbon, climate-resilient development at the core of achieving this inclusive growth. “There are great prospects ahead if South Africa takes advantage of the global energy transition to support economic growth, development and employment creation,” Ramaphosa added.

However, he pointed out, the nation’s continued dependence on Eskom’s coal-fired power stations makes the economy heavily carbon-intensive. “Our reliance on fossil fuels for industrialisation presents considerable risks to the economy, society and environment,” he warned.

“It is imperative that we drive the energy transition in a manner tailored to our national and local circumstances. Our approach must ensure inclusive economic growth, enhance energy security and generate employment. We must advance this transition at a pace, scale and cost aligned with our country’s social and economic development trajectory.”