The South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) has reiterated the importance of coal within the country's energy portfolio amidst escalated power cuts, emphasizing the necessity of a diversified energy mix to address reliability concerns during high-demand periods. As South Africa grapples with ongoing electricity challenges due to intensified load shedding, Sanedi’s clean coal research specialist, Gcobisa Melamane, underscored that peak demand is often met through pumped-storage schemes and gas turbines, while acknowledging the increasing role of renewables in supplementing the aging coal-generated supply.

Melamane highlighted that while renewable energy options are enhancing capacity, industries still require a stable baseload electricity supply for optimal functionality, asserting the need for a balanced energy approach. Despite efforts globally to reduce coal dependency, several European nations have been compelled to reactivate coal power stations due to energy shortages.

The Integrated Resource Plan positions coal as over 80% of South Africa's energy mix, aiming to decrease this to 42% by 2030. Nonetheless, Melamane emphasized ongoing efforts to develop technologies mitigating coal’s environmental impact for responsible usage. Sanedi has launched its Cleaner Fossil Fuels & Related Technologies programme, focusing on advancing high-efficiency, low-emissions (HELE) solutions and carbon capture methods.

Sanedi’s roadmap aims to refine the country's approach to fossil fuels by exploring cleaner technologies, including underground coal gasification and emission reduction equipment. Scheduled for completion by March 2024, the roadmap will be subject to stakeholder approval before publication.

These discussions align with President Cyril Ramaphosa leading South Africa’s delegation at the UNFCCC's COP28, where a Global Stocktake (GST) will assess progress since the Paris Agreement's adoption. While environmental experts stress the urgency of limiting global heating to 1.5°C, the conference presents an opportunity to set global renewable energy targets and expedite climate action, contingent on financing the transition in developing nations and a swift phase-out of fossil fuels.