South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the government’s commitment to pursuing a just energy transition, aimed at reducing carbon emissions while addressing the country’s energy crisis. The statement was made during the National Assembly’s Budget Vote of The Presidency.
As per the commitment, the government is aiming to lower carbon emissions by 2030 in consonance with global benchmarks for limiting global temperature increases. The transition from a high carbon emitting economy to a low carbon one is likely to have an unfavorable impact on nearly 100,000 mining sector jobs alone.
However, President Ramaphosa highlighted that the government’s just energy transition plan intended to leave no community behind, even while job losses were inevitable.
The plan is also intended to promote the growth of renewable and alternative energy sectors, which is expected to bring with them a significant increase in investments and job creation. According to Ramaphosa, the Energy Action Plan should help boost the rollout of renewable energy sources, mobilizing investment across diverse sectors, from electric vehicles to solar installation.
Regarding the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, President Ramaphosa said that any decision in this regard would be informed by a detailed analysis of alternative energy sources, the feasibility of continuing to operate older plants, and the cost of doing so.
South Africa, like other developing economies, faces the significant challenge of balancing the need for economic development with the imperative of ecological preservation. It is heartening to note that South Africa’s leadership is committed to achieving this balance through well-planned and executed reforms.
