Coal Essential for the Revival of Key Sectors in SA

I spoke at the FFF Carbon conference in Witbank, Mpumalanga under the topic: Quo Vadis, South Africa (SA)? Coal’s future. I started by explaining the meaning of “Quo Vadis,” a Latin phrase that translates to Where are you going?, stating that SA faces the same question when it comes to coal’s future.

The country’s energy landscape stands at a crucial crossroads, caught between the government’s recognition of coal as a critical mineral and pressure to phase it out. On the other hand, decisions such as the Cancel Coal case judgement hinder coal-fired power development in SA. This ruling halted plans for an additional 1500 MW of coal-fired capacity. Eskom also plans to convert five coal-fired stations to renewables, threatening SA’s remaining industrial capacity.

Highlighting that SA already faces de-industrialisation due to high electricity costs, I shared examples of smelters that have been either mothballed or completely closed down because of electricity costs and unreliable power supply. SA needs all power sources, including coal, to revive sectors like smelting. While SA faces mounting pressure to cut emissions, it cannot simply abandon coal overnight without risks. A diversified energy mix is the only realistic way to ensure reliable power. During the Q&A, I mentioned several factors causing a fall in coal prices, including Trump’s tariffs, which have created uncertainty in global markets.

View the presentation below: