Non-profit organisations GroundWork Trust and Earthlife Africa are taking government to court over alleged leeway provided to Eskom regarding its air pollution commitments. If successful, it could lead to the return of load-shedding in South Africa.
According to GroundWork Trust director Bobby Peek, South Africa could save $41.7 billion (R790 billion) by complying with the air pollution standard negotiated in 2004 and 2010.
“We’ll be able to save South Africa $41.7 billion over the life of the power stations because of avoiding debts due to the air pollution,” Peek told 702.
“Eskom says if we had to follow the standard, there’s going to be load-shedding and an economic cost to society, but we don’t have the evidence for that. We haven’t seen the figures.”
“Research shows that if they’re in compliance, we’ll save our economy, and we’ll save people’s health,” he added.
GroundWork Trust and Earthlife Africa have approached the Pretoria High Court to review and set aside decisions made by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment and the National Air Quality Officer.
They had granted Eskom permission to suspend or postpone compliance with the minimum emissions standards (MES) until 2030 at eight coal-fired power stations.
These include the Camden, Hendrina, Arnot, Grootvlei, and Kriel power stations, which were intended to be retired between 2023 and 2027.
The foundation of the case to review and set aside decisions made by the Minister and the air quality officer is that Eskom hasn’t provided clear decommissioning schedules, which are required by law.
Without these schedules, GroundWork and Earthlife Africa argue that the Minister and air quality officer can’t evaluate whether sufficient precautions have been taken and whether all risks have been assessed.
“The problem is that Eskom appears to be doing this without thorough plans,” said Peek.
“Goalposts keep moving, and in addition to the ongoing health impacts, vulnerable workers are not having their futures adequately considered by decision-makers.”
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(Image: mybroadband.co.za)