Critics of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) draft report are concerned that the push for renewable energy in South Africa will put jobs at risk and may not adequately meet the country's energy needs. The PCC recommends maximizing renewable energy, focusing on the least expensive and quickest sources with storage and peaking support. However, the critics, associated with the Freedom Foundation and Truth in Energy, argue that the move to renewables could negatively impact jobs in mining regions, leading to socio-economic challenges.

They also dispute the environmental impact of renewables, claiming that wind farms require significantly more land compared to nuclear power plants to generate the same amount of energy. They highlight potential issues related to changing weather patterns and impacts on wind-dependent ecosystems. The critics advocate for nuclear power as a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective option that can meet South Africa's energy needs and even allow for uranium exports.

Despite the critics' concerns, renewable energy has shown positive effects in mitigating the country's energy crisis. Wind energy, in particular, has proven effective in reducing load shedding during winter storms. However, the authors emphasize that non-renewables, such as gas or coal, will still be required for backup dispatchable power.

Investing in renewable energy can bring substantial benefits to South Africa, including foreign investment from countries like Germany, France, the US, the UK, and the European Union. The Just Energy Transition Partnership will provide $8.5 billion to support the country's commitment to tackling climate change. Additionally, several renewable energy projects are in progress, aiming to produce close to 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy to address load shedding.

While critics favor nuclear power, Eskom's only nuclear power station, Koeberg, is facing challenges with extended maintenance, potentially leading to higher stages of load shedding in 2024. The government is also processing applications for renewable energy projects, aiming to accelerate decision-making processes and finalize projects.