SA looks East for low-emission coal tech to support energy transition

Government plan to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure

- BANELE GININDZA

ELECTRICITY and Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that the government was actively engaging with technological leaders in China and Japan to embrace low-temperature coal-burning techniques paired with ammonia, aiming to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure.

This initiative is seen as a necessary step towards repurposing aging coal-fired power stations.

During recent sessions in the South African Assembly plenary session, Ramokgopa responded to questions from various members of Parliament, including MPs Nonpumelelo Mhlungu, People's Assembly, Shane Masango, Thring, MK party's Adv. Aohli Shabangu, and DA's Kevin Mileham. He emphasised that the core issue lied not with coal itself, but with the emissions produced.

He lamented the lagging of the JET process thus far, particularly regarding its impact on regions like Komati, where economic stability has been severely undermined by the transition.

"We could have managed Komati and match beats in terms of the social shedding that you have been leading, you undermine your ability to continue to generate and meet that energy demand," Ramokgopa said.