Energy Indaba 2025: Coal still crucial in SA's path to net-zero

ENERGY experts gathered at the City Power Energy Indaba 2025 this week agree that South Africa's large coal reserves still have a role to play in the country’s push for net-zero emissions and energy affordability.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

This sentiment was shared by panellists and experts, who gave their inputs during the two-day gathering, which concluded at the Melrose Arch on Wednesday.

South Africa reportedly has 9.9 billion metric tons of proven coal reserves, making it one of the world’s largest coal producers and consumers.

Echo Energy Africa Co-Founder and Managing Director, Naphtally Mafa, said technology has a role to play in ensuring South Africa produces clean energy without abandoning its reliance on its coal reserves, as this commodity is still central to the country’s economy.

Mafa indicated that the country’s challenge lies not in availability, but in the sustainability of its emissions.