Minister Dion George announces emissions exemptions for Eskom to address South Africa’s energy crisis
Image: Eskom/X
In a significant move aimed at addressing South Africa's ongoing load-shedding crisis, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Dion George, has confirmed granting “limited emissions exemptions” to eight Eskom coal power plants.
George made the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, where he revealed his decision to approve Eskom's request for exemptions from the minimum emissions standards (MES).
The decision comes after George previously criticised Eskom for "consistently failing to meet minimum emission standards and delaying crucial energy reforms." He pointed out that South Africans have endured rolling blackouts, rising costs, and economic stagnation due to Eskom’s inefficiencies.
"The government cannot grant Eskom a blanket waiver to continue polluting without accountability," George stated.
The Minister emphasised that these exemptions were not a "blanket reprieve," but were instead tailored to each facility, with stringent conditions aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of non-compliance with the MES.
"I have decided to grant limited exemptions to Eskom for the specified power stations. These exemptions are not a blanket reprieve but are tailored to each facility, with stringent conditions to mitigate the impacts of non-compliance with the MES," George said.
Under the new decision, Duvha and Matla power stations will be exempt from emissions standards until their planned closure dates of February 21, 2034, and July 20, 2034, respectively.
The Minister also confirmed that the exemptions for Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Medupi, Matimba, and Tutuka power stations are capped at five years, expiring on April 1, 2030.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business
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