South Africa has granted limited exemptions to Eskom’s coal-fired power stations from air quality regulations, Environment Minister Dion George announced Monday. He emphasized that the move does not constitute a “blanket reprieve” but is necessary to balance emissions reduction with electricity supply.
The exemptions apply to eight power plants, with strict conditions requiring Eskom to enhance emissions monitoring, deploy environmental health specialists, and provide mobile health clinics.
Striking a Balance
South Africa’s government faces mounting pressure to curb pollution while ensuring energy security in an economy plagued by power cuts. Eskom, which operates an aging fleet of coal-fired plants, argued that retrofitting its facilities with emissions-reduction technology is financially unfeasible.
Six plants—Lethabo, Kendal, Tutuka, Majuba, Matimba, and Medupi—have been granted exemptions until April 1, 2030. The Duvha and Matla stations will remain exempt until their planned decommissioning in 2034.
Health and Environmental Impact
Eskom, one of Africa’s biggest polluters, has been running its plants intensively to alleviate rolling blackouts and address maintenance backlogs. However, a recent 10-year study by the South African Medical Research Council and Britain’s Department for International Development found that communities near coal plants, particularly in Mpumalanga’s coal belt, suffer from a 6% higher mortality rate, increased birth defects, and higher rates of cardiovascular and lung disease.
Minister George acknowledged the health risks, stating, “We need sufficient electricity to grow our economy, but we also need clean, breathable air. It is unacceptable for children to suffer lung diseases and for babies to be born with cleft palates.”
The study recommended phasing out coal-fired plants, but with Eskom’s financial constraints and South Africa’s energy crisis, a rapid transition remains uncertain.