Eskom is expected to unveil a revised plan for the future of its coal-fired power stations in September, with indications that some planned closures beyond 2030 could be delayed to safeguard South Africa’s electricity supply.
Speaking at the Coal and Energy Transition Day in Johannesburg, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane said decisions on decommissioning ageing coal plants must be guided by energy security, grid readiness and the availability of replacement generation capacity.
Marokane warned that shutting down power stations before new energy projects are fully operational could place the country at risk of future electricity shortages.
He said Eskom supports a balanced approach that reduces carbon emissions while maintaining reliable and affordable electricity for households and businesses.
The utility has already secured exemptions from minimum emissions standards for eight coal-fired power stations, allowing several of them to continue operating until 2030 and, in some cases, until 2034.
According to Marokane, Eskom is working with the Energy Council of South Africa on an evidence-based roadmap that will assess the country’s energy needs beyond 2030 before any final decisions are made.
The utility is expected to provide more detail on its long-term coal strategy when it releases its updated plans in September, as South Africa continues balancing energy security with its transition to a lower-carbon economy.
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