By JA Esterhuizen MP
IFP Spokesperson on Energy
The IFP welcomes the University of Cape Town: Energy Research Centre’s concerns and warning on government’s plans to build two new coal-powered plants.
Thabametsi and Khanyisa as they are respectively named fall under the first round of preferred bidders of the Independent Power Producers (IPP) Coal Base load and they come with an exorbitant R20 billion rand price tag, which is just to cover the coal requirements.
In addition, and with the benefit of hindsight, and considering that Medupi and Kusile are currently R62.7 billion over budget, it just doesn’t make sense and is totally irrational of government to proceed with the construction of two additional coal-powered plants, without at least firstly considering the latest Integrated Resource Plan [IRP].
If we are serious about moving towards a sustainable energy future, we need to ensure that investments are made in securing better energy producing sources which are not harmful to achieving our sustainable development goals.
The Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe must walk the talk in pursuing a sustainable “energy-mix” for our country.
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Hon. JA Esterhuizen MP
IFP Spokesperson on Energy
076 943 7106