'There is no need to mine coal for the generation of electricity' - energy expert
He notes that some view coal as a natural resource, but argues that, like asbestos, it should stay in the ground.
Energy expert Chris Yelland says there is no need for South Africa to mine coal for electricity generation.
Yelland was commenting in the wake of wide-spread load shedding that was escalated to Stage 6 on Monday.
Yelland says South Africa is rich in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, that are considered to be among the best in the world, yet accounts for very little of South Africa's electricity supply.
"Unfortunately the coal mining lobby, which has a vested interest in the status quo, is working hard to inhibit the use of renewable energy," says Yelland.
Yelland insists that renewable energy is the future and should be exploited.
"There is no need to mine coal for the generation of electricity," he says.
He notes that some view coal as a natural resource, but argues that, like asbestos, it should stay in the ground.
He says he is not suggesting that SA"s existing coal power station be shut down, but that the country should make the transition to a cleaner future.
Listen to Yelland below: