I delivered a keynote address at the SACPS Biennial Technical Conference in Secunda

The dynamics behind the global energy debate can be likened to the last supper. While coal is not edible in the literal sense, it has provided Western nations with the means to industrialize and sustain their citizens.

Today the same developed Western nations who have reaped the benefits of mega industrialization through coal are telling developing countries from Africa and elsewhere to stop using it.  They have enjoyed the benefits of coal and now they want to clear the table.

Coal’s significant contribution to the economy cannot be ignored, with an estimated 4,7 million jobs created globally and more than 90 000 in SA alone. The narrative that coal is bad, ignores the plight of the 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa struggling to access electricity in favour of a costly renewables overhaul.

I pointed out that closing more coal fired power stations in South Africa would be a mistake. Komati power station was closed and replaced with solar to provide power for 25% of the day which is not enough.

Renewables are costly with hydrogen ranging at $ 239 MWh followed by nuclear at $ 225 MWh, gas $ 92 MWh and $ Coal $74 MWh. Not only are renewables expensive for electricity generation, they are intermittent and can serve as complementary resources at best. We do not have the power to control sunlight, water, and wind but coal is readily available.  

View the presentation below: