Question NW2870 to the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
28 September 2023 - NW2870
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) With reference to the delay in the closure of Eskom coal power stations in relation to the conditions of the climate change pledges for the Just Energy Transition (JET) made by the rich nations to the Republic, with coal being discontinued at Komati Coal Power Station and replaced with Renewable Energy, what are the reasons for the rush to demolish the stack and the cooling towers that will be needed should there be a need to complement renewables which only give 270 MW on a 1000 MW Assets with either gas to power or small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the near future and (b) total number of Eskom Coal Power Stations are also due to be replaced with Renewable Energy; (2) (a)(i) which power stations are to be replaced with Renewable Energy and (ii) on what date and (c) what number of the specified power stations has he been able to motivate for their delayed closure; (3) what is the reason that the Climate Change Pledge money flows into the JET only on condition that Eskom closes its coal power stations, whereas some rich nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan are reviving their old coal power stations that were closed some years ago and are taking coal from the Republic via the Richards Bay Coal Terminal?
Reply:
(1)(a)
Cabinet has resolved that the current generation fleet must be maximised based on a broader socio-economic benefit analysis and interest of securing energy security. In terms of the NERSA license conditions, Komati Power Station cannot be decommissioned until the shutdown has been approved by NERSA, although Komati Power Station units has been shut down cannot be decommissioned until the NERSA and the PFMA approvals are received.
Work is continuing to investigate the cost benefit of the extension of life and or the repurposing of the existing fleet. If it is feasible to continue to use the flue stacks, cooling towers or any other infrastructure for other new technologies that might feasibly be constructed at the Komati site, the repurposing and repowering will take that into account
(1)(b)
Currently, Eskom does not intend to shut down any more stations and replace them with renewables. Eskom does however intend to install renewable capacity at current sites while they are still operational.
(2)(a)(i)
Currently, only Komati Power Station has been shut down for repurposing and repowering. The intention is to construct solar PV, wind and battery storage. In addition, other repurposing options are being considered.
(2)(a)(ii)
Komati was shut down at the end of October 2022. (c) No other units have been shut down since the shutdown of Komati. Eskom is currently studying the feasibility of continuing to operate the older stations.
(3)
The conditionality is imposed by the funders
Coal will continue to be a feature of South Africa’s energy mix, which will include, gas, nuclear and renewable technologies. I.e. solar PV and wind. Our National Socio-economic and Energy security requirements will dictate our investment choices and the funding thereof.
Notwithstanding the conditions attached to climate change funding, South Africa has not formally entered into any agreements. It is up to the lender to decide whether it is in its overall interest to comply with the conditions to access the concessionary aspects or to attempt to raise loans on commercial terms.