South Africa should welcome funding for its energy sector, but it should not feel pressured to allocate these resources exclusively to specific technologies, according to Dr. Zwanani Titus Mathe, CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). Mathe emphasized that while renewable energy options are essential, there should be room for a broader spectrum of technologies, including clean coal projects. His remarks were in response to concerns that a significant portion of an $8.5 billion climate finance package, part of South Africa's Just Energy Transition plan, might be earmarked solely for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind projects. South Africa derives about 87% of its electricity from coal, and the worry is that renewable energy will receive preferential treatment in the funding distribution. Mathe suggested that funding should be linked to specific emissions targets, allowing South Africa the flexibility to choose the most suitable means of reaching them.

Dan Mashigo, Eskom Primary Energy GM, echoed Mathe's sentiments, underscoring the importance of affording South Africa the freedom to select from various technologies. He highlighted the necessity for flexibility in the funding distribution modalities, emphasizing that funding should be supplementary rather than a substitute. Mashigo expressed concern that accelerating the decommissioning of older coal-fired power stations, while South Africa is grappling with an energy deficit, would be impractical. In a global context, coal-powered electricity generation increased by 1% in 2022, maintaining a 35.4% share, whereas renewable energy grew by 15%.