Hon Chairperson, Minister, Deputy Minister, hon members, across the world, there is a current redefining of the way in which electricity is both generated and distributed. In South Africa, we are still largely coal dependent and debating on how best we can translate to a mix system of using coal, nuclear gas and renewable energy sources.
With the spectra of climate change looming globally, South Africa plays its role as a member not only in terms of the Paris Climate accord but also as a leader on the continent.
Emissions from our coal-powered power stations remain a real cause for concern, as Medupi and Kusile power plants, which both have a 75-year life span, are not yet fully functional. These coal-based stations and others like them in South Africa have the potential to thwart our attempts at building the required climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.
Steps must be taken to therefore ensure a new energy mix and, more importantly, to ensure a move away from mega power plants
towards smaller-scale electricity units which meet the demands of local communities.
This will not only ensure ...