The world is at a tipping point in the fight against climate change. The cascade of pledges by countries and companies to reduce their carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 is heralding a tidal shift in the global energy production. An energy transition in which energy production will predominantly be based on sustainable and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
In partnership with the International Energy Agency, Denmark is convening a new global commission that aims to put people at the centre of our energy transition policies. “Our Inclusive Energy Future” is bringing together government leaders, key decision-makers and scientists to examine how to make these transitions equitable and successful.
The imperative of a people-centred, just transition already features in both the Integrated Resource Plan and the 2019 Roadmap for Eskom in a Reformed Electricity Supply Industry.
Similarly, with Eskom’s in-principle commitment to net-zero emission by 2050 and dwindling demand globally for coal, SA will have to introduce policies that can replace some of the 40,000 jobs in the coal industry in Mpumalanga. This could include policies that can stimulate local production of renewable energy components, as well as upskilling people to service and maintain solar installations and wind farms.