Creecy Permit Extends Eskom’s Operation of Aging Coal Plants Without Pollution Controls South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has granted Eskom a permit to continue operating five of its aging coal-fired power stations without installing pollution control technologies. The decision allows the utility to keep the facilities in operation until 2030, despite concerns about their environmental impact. The permit covers the Kendal, Matimba, Majuba, Arnot and Tutuka power stations, all of which are over 35 years old. These plants are known to be significant emitters of air pollution, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Environmental groups have criticized the Creecy’s decision, arguing that it will further prolong South Africa’s reliance on dirty energy sources and harm public health. They point to the fact that these power stations account for a significant portion of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and that their continued operation will make it harder for South Africa to meet its climate commitments. Eskom has defended the permit, stating that it is necessary to ensure the country’s energy security. The utility argues that the power stations are still capable of generating electricity and that it would be too costly to retrofit them with pollution control technologies. However, critics argue that Eskom’s energy security argument is a fallacy. They point to the fact that the aging coal plants are unreliable and frequently offline due to breakdowns. Additionally, they say that the cost of cleaner energy sources, such as renewable energy, is declining rapidly and that it would be cheaper for Eskom to invest in these technologies. The Creecy’s decision has also raised questions about the government’s commitment to environmental protection. Critics argue that the permit sends a signal that the government is willing to prioritize economic growth over public health and the environment. The controversy over the permit is likely to continue in the coming months and years. Environmental groups have vowed to challenge the decision in court, and the government will face increasing pressure to take action to address the environmental impact of its coal-fired power plants.Eskom Granted Temporary Exemption from Emissions StandardsEskom Granted Temporary Exemption from Emissions Standards Eskom has been granted a 12-month extension to present a decommissioning plan for five of its power stations. This exemption allows the company to continue operating these facilities without meeting minimum emissions standards until March 31, 2030. The decision was made by Minister of Forests, Fisheries, and Environment Barbara Creecy following appeals from Eskom and other stakeholders. The National Environmental Advisory and Consultative Forum (NECA) was appointed to review the appeals and issue recommendations. The NECA forum considered submissions from Eskom, interested parties, and environmental activists. Its report provided the basis for Minister Creecy’s decision. The five power stations affected by the exemption are: * Camden * Grootvlei * Hendrina * Komati * Majuba These power stations are among the largest and oldest in Eskom’s fleet. They currently rely heavily on coal for electricity generation. The exemption will allow Eskom to continue operating these power stations while it develops and implements plans to transition to cleaner energy sources. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Environmental activists have expressed concern about the exemption, arguing that it will delay Eskom’s efforts to reduce air pollution. However, the government has stressed that the exemption is temporary and that Eskom remains committed to meeting its emissions targets.Eskom Permitted to Continue Operating Aging Power Stations Without Pollution Controls The Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF) has granted Eskom permission to operate five aging power stations without pollution controls until 2030. The power stations in question are: * Arnot * Camden * Grootvlei * Hendrina * Matla Environmental Minister Barbara Creecy justified the decision by stating that these power stations are necessary to meet the country’s current electricity needs. However, she stressed that this exemption is temporary and that Eskom must take steps to reduce their emissions over time. Environmental organizations have condemned the decision, arguing that it will have severe consequences for public health and the environment. They point out that these power stations emit harmful pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, they contend that the exemption undermines South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eskom’s continued reliance on coal-fired power will make it more difficult for the country to achieve its climate goals. In response, Creecy has stated that the DEFF is committed to ensuring that Eskom meets its environmental obligations. She has urged the utility to invest in clean energy technologies and to develop a plan for transitioning away from coal. Eskom has welcomed the decision, saying that it will allow the company to continue providing affordable electricity to South Africans. However, the utility has also acknowledged that it must take steps to reduce its emissions. The decision is likely to spark further debate on the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in South Africa.