Eskom Holdings CEO Dan Marokane says the State-owned utility will outline its proposed approach in September in relation to the decommissioning of coal-fired power stations beyond 2030.
Eskom has secured limited exemptions from minimum emission standards for eight of its coal-fired power stations.
Six power stations – Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Matimba, Medupi and Tutuka – have been granted five-year minimum emission standards exemptions until April 1, 2030. Duvha and Matla have been granted nine-year minimum emission standards exemptions until their planned decommissioning dates in 2034.
Speaking at the Coal and Energy Transition Day in Johannesburg, Marokane argued that “timing matters” for ensuring security of supply, while indicating that Eskom’s plan was likely to propose a delay to the closure of the coal stations.
“The orderly shutdown, repowering, and repurposing of older coal-fired power stations must be informed by evidence, must be informed by system adequacy, by new generation delivery and by the readiness of the grid,” Marokane stated.
