Eskom Allowed To Breach Emission Rules

Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George announced that eight coal-fired power stations operated by Eskom, the nation's state-owned utility, have been granted the right to breach emission rules, Cape town Etc reports.

This exemption, designed to afford the beleaguered utility the opportunity to stabilise electricity supply while transitioning to cleaner energy sources, could impose significant health and environmental costs that warrant scrutiny.

The coal plants - Lethabo, Kendal, Tutuka, Majuba, Matimba, and Medupi - are now allowed to operate under relaxed emissions standards for a five-year period.

Additionally, the Duvha and Matla stations have received extensions allowing operations under these terms until 2034.

Eskom, overseeing the largest share of electricity generation in the country over 80 reliant on coal, has been struggling to meet demand due to chronic blackouts that have plagued South African households and businesses for decades.