Steam rises from the cooling towers of the Matla power station, a coal-fired power plant operated by Eskom in Mpumalanga.
Image: Siphiwe Sibeko/ Independent Newspapers
Eskom’s application for exemptions from minimum emission standards for eight of its coal-fired power stations has been granted, with the exemptions tailored to each facility.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr Dion George, announced his decision on Eskom’s application during a media briefing at Parliament on Monday.
Eskom’s applications sought relief from the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) established under Section 21 of the Act, following the appeal decision on May 22, 2024.
“Eskom plays a critical role in our nation’s energy security. However, its coal-fired operations have significant environmental and health implications, which I am duty-bound to address under Section 24 of our Constitution, guaranteeing everyone the right to an environment not harmful to their health or well-being, as well as under the Paris Agreement and the Climate Change Act, which mandate me to drive emissions reductions and ensure a just transition to a low-carbon economy,” George said.
“Balancing these imperatives - energy security, economic stability, and environmental protection - has guided my decision-making process.”
Heloise van Schalkwyk, Minister Dr Dion George and Dr Patience Gwaze from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment at the media briefing on Monday.
Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers
The minister said that after thorough consideration of Eskom’s submissions, the National Environmental Consultative and Advisory (NECA) Forum Report of March 8, 2024, the Expert Report of March 17, 2025, and inputs from stakeholders including the Centre for Environmental Rights, he decided to grant limited exemptions to Eskom for the specified power stations. They are Duvha, Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Matimba, Matla, Medupi, and Tutuka.
“These exemptions are not a blanket reprieve but are tailored to each facility, with stringent conditions to mitigate the impacts of non-compliance with the MES.
“For Duvha and Matla, exemptions are granted until their planned shutdown dates of February 21, 2034, and July 20, 2034, respectively, aligning precisely with Eskom’s decommissioning schedule.
“This timeline acknowledges their critical role in energy security while ensuring that their operational lifespan is not extended beyond what is necessary, reinforcing that decommissioning remains the long-term solution to emissions reduction,” George said.
“It provides Eskom adequate time to transition these facilities out of service responsibly, contingent on the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity to maintain stability.
“For the remaining stations - Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Medupi, Matimba, and Tutuka - exemptions are capped at five years, expiring on April 1, 2030. This duration reflects my commitment to minimising environmental harm, given prior postponements granted to Eskom, and the urgent need to transition to renewable energy.”
Eskom’s application for exemptions from minimum emission standards for eight of its coal-fired power stations—Duvha, Kendal, Lethabo, Majuba, Matimba, Matla, Medupi, and Tutuka — has been granted, but not without its limitations. Here is a look at what the minister has specified:
Image: Supplied
George said Eskom asked for a longer period of exemption, but that he did not allow it, instead choosing to settle on five years, as “five years is very reasonable”.
“I had a look at the expert report, I had a look at the financials of Eskom, and I thought about it for a long time in terms of what is reasonable, and we have to balance our constitutional right to clean air with the fact that we want to have energy in our grid,” he said.
George added that he did not discuss the decision with Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa or Eskom beforehand.
“Now that I have delivered my decision, I will be engaging with the minister and Eskom because what we want to do is to make sure that Eskom can comply.
“There are financial implications - I’ve set very rigorous conditions, and I have every intention of holding them to account…It certainly puts them under pressure, and that is actually the intention, because more of the same is not going to work. That is the point.”
In a statement, Eskom said it will now review the decision.
“Eskom notes that today’s decision maintains its license to operate at Medupi, Majuba, Matimba, Kendal, Lethabo, Tutuka, Matla and Duvha power stations, which contribute a total of 29 000MW to South Africa’s electricity grid and play a material role in maintaining the country’s energy security, beyond the 31 March 2025 deadline.
"Eskom is committed to working with the DFFE and all stakeholders, and it will make further announcements in due course. The company remains dedicated to aligning with regulatory requirements and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure long-term operational efficiency, reducing any negative impacts on health and environmental stewardship.”
Cape Times