The Portfolio Committee on Electrical energy and Vitality acquired a briefing on the Simply Vitality Transition (JET) Funding Plan and Implementation Plan from the Presidency’s Mission Administration Workplace and the Division of Mineral Sources and Vitality.
It was taken by means of the completely different funding portfolios throughout the plan, together with particulars on the progress and financing secured thus far. The plan outlined an funding of roughly R1.5 trillion over 5 years to help the nation’s decarbonisation efforts.
The committee raised considerations in regards to the impacts on staff and communities affected by the power transition, significantly the teachings discovered from the Komati energy station closure, and the necessity to guarantee a very simply transition. Members of the committee additionally queried South Africa’s continued reliance on coal, export of coal, and the potential function of unpolluted coal applied sciences.
Members of the committee additionally questioned whether or not the transition will jeopardise dependable electrical energy provide, calling for the JET course of to be aligned with and supportive of South Africa’s broader industrialisation and financial improvement aims. They confused the necessity to construct native manufacturing and abilities capability to help the renewable power and inexperienced economic system worth chains.
The division was requested by the committee for normal updates on progress and engagement on the JET implementation. The committee acknowledged the complexity and significance of managing South Africa’s power transition in a simply and equitable method, emphasising the necessity for steady engagement and oversight to make sure the JET plan delivers on its aims.
The committee recommended the presenters on the involvement of communities and staff, nevertheless it cautioned towards utilizing the time period “poor” to check with affected communities. Members of the committee confused the significance of empowering native establishments and abilities improvement from the grassroots stage, quite than counting on externally pushed initiatives.
The committee additionally expressed considerations in regards to the weaponising of local weather change laws by developed nations, which might drawback South Africa’s economic system and commerce. It confused the necessity to make sure the JET course of helps the nation’s broader industrialisation and financial improvement objectives.
Members of the committee highlighted the necessity to hear straight from the affected communities. Additionally they proposed a website go to to Mpumalanga to interact with native stakeholders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.