A delay in the planned closures of coal-fired power plants in South Africa could have dire consequences, including thousands of deaths from air pollution and billions of dollars in health-related costs, a recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed.
According to CREA, comparing the proposed closure schedule in South Africa’s draft blueprint for power supply through 2050 with Eskom’s schedule, the delays could result in ailments costing R724 billion and between 20,000 to 50,000 deaths.
The projections highlight concerns over the country’s energy security, as the delays are seen as necessary to guarantee it. However, critics argue that the delays contradict South Africa’s climate commitments, especially regarding a $9.3 billion climate-finance pact tied to coal plant closures.
Pollution from coal-fired plants emits harmful toxins that cause respiratory diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues. CREA estimates that delaying the closure of certain plants could lead to significant health impacts, including deaths, emergency room visits for asthma, preterm births, work absences, and years of living with disabilities.
The delay may also exacerbate ongoing power outages that have hindered economic growth in Africa’s most industrialized economy. The South African energy plan, currently open for public comment, has faced criticism for its lack of ambition in renewable energy and its failure to address current power outages.
