Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned utility, has announced a substantial investment of R67 billion to curb emissions from coal burning, aiming to significantly reduce its output of particulate matter by 2035.
Eskom Commits Billions to Reduce Coal Emissions Amid Health Concerns
The move comes in response to growing concerns about the health impacts of emissions from coal-fired power plants, highlighted by reports linking particulate emissions to respiratory diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.
Eskom has already begun implementing emission-reduction plans, including the closure of one coal-fired plant and the decommissioning of units at others.
However, the utility’s particulate emissions reached a 31-year high in the six months leading up to September 30, prompting increased scrutiny and regulatory action.
Despite the measures taken, Eskom is facing legal challenges and government orders to comply with emission limits or potentially shut down significant generating capacity.
The company said in a response to queries, “Eskom has developed station-specific recovery plans for each station, and these include emission-improvement plans which are being implemented and are beginning to show success.”
The utility has been criminally charged for breaching emission limits at its Kendal power plant and is under pressure to address emissions from other facilities.
Eskom Strives to Reduce Its Environmental Footprint
Critics, including environmental organizations like Greenpeace, have raised concerns about Eskom’s emissions, citing data showing high levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, both of which pose serious health risks.
Eskom has contested some of these findings, questioning the methodology used in the assessments.
As Eskom strives to reduce its environmental footprint and mitigate health risks associated with coal emissions, its efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources will likely remain a focal point amidst ongoing regulatory and public scrutiny.
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