LETTER: SA’s power play

Richard Worthington argued in his climate action summit article that to make a real impression at the UN Climate Change Conference, the South African government should wipe 1,500MW of additional cold-fired generating capacity off the new integrated resource plan .

Given the global panic over climate change, which has largely gone over the heads of South Africans, obsessed as we are with internal problems, I think that our government would be underselling itself with such a proposal. When you don’t have good hand and are desperate, it sometimes pays to bet the house.

Sure, leave the additional 1,500MW of coal-fired generation off the IRP, but at the climate summit propose the discontinuation of construction and then complete closure of the Kusile power station. Taking a potential 4,800MW of coal-fired generation off the table would really grab the world’s attention in the right way.

But such a philanthropic gesture would require “compensation” in the region of R200bn plus.

As other coal stations are closed down, independent power producers will be able to supply the shortfall with renewables more cheaply than Eskom ever could, while doing a lot less damage to our environment. If baseload becomes a problem, an additional gas-powered station or two should do the trick.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Letter confirms convicted rapist Bob Hewitt to be released on parole - but department still mum'On August 23 2019, the correctional services and parole board considered the application of Mr Hewitt for placement on parole and placement on parole was granted to him to be placed out on September 23 2019.'
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »

OPEN LETTER: Mr President, we are deeply disappointedAs organisations dedicated to combating sexual and gender-based violence, we needed you to put numbers to your commitments, in terms of money and time frames.
Source: dailymaverick - 🏆 3. / 84 Read more »

SA must support South SudanCOMMENT: South Africa can and must play a major role in supporting South Sudan's fragile peace process.
Source: mailandguardian - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »

AYABONGA CAWE: Robert Mugabe’s legacy of contradictionsAYABONGA CAWE: Robert Mugabe’s legacy of contradictions🔒
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Tim Spirit: What is the real definition of fair play in football?Should loaned players be allowed to play against their parent clubs? This issue came to mind again this week after it emerged that Mamelodi Sundowns had inserted a clause that prevents Jeremy Brockie from playing against them, writes TimSpiritMolobi
Source: City_Press - 🏆 7. / 72 Read more »

OPEN LETTER: Mr President, we are deeply disappointedAs organisations dedicated to combating sexual and gender-based violence, we needed you to put numbers to your commitments, in terms of money and time frames.
Source: dailymaverick - 🏆 3. / 84 Read more »