Fossil fuels cannot solve energy crisis, says civil society organisations
Several civil society organisations have reacted to government’s plan to end load shedding by saying energy security can only be achieved with the use of renewal energy.
The organisations briefed the media on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s energy crisis plan on Friday morning.
Energy expert Professor Nicholas King said South Africa should have phased out the use of fossil fuels a long time ago.
“The International Energy Agency in their 2020 Annual Report already emphasised that there is no room for any further fossil fuel investment.”
Koeberg Alert Alliance’ Peter Becker said the only way all South Africans can be provided with uninterrupted electricity supply is through the provision of solar power.
“Waiting on the current grid to go to everyone in the country is ridiculous. The only way we’re going to get electricity to everyone is by putting solar panels on everyone’s roof at local community power generation.
“Remember the bigger the infrastructure, the longer the powerline, the more vulnerable they become to extreme weather events.”
Organisations such as African Climate Alliance and South African Climate Action Network also believe the just transition framework, which is meant to move the country from coal to renewables, can play an essential part in solving the crisis.
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