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Parliament's Energy Portfolio Committee finalized its recommendations on the government's Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRP) on Tuesday. This resolution should state that coal and nuclear energy will continue to be part of South Africa's future energy mix.
The PRI is the government's long-term energy plan, which models the projected energy demand and the best-cost scenario for energy supply.
The latest IRP, released for comment by Energy Minister Jeff Radebe, in September, models supply and demand only until 2030.
It does not allow any new nuclear power, but badumes 1,000 MW of new coal-fired power plants, which must be built by independent power producers (IPPs). The plan badumes Eskom's existing coal fleet will remain in service throughout its 30-year life.
In its report, the committee states: "The PRI should clearly indicate that coal and nuclear power will remain important parts of South Africa's energy mix. In the case of coal, new clean coal technologies should be pursued. "
While environmental groups and renewable energy producers are fighting hard to stop coal producers and Eskom is quickly withdrawing its fleet, groups within the ANC and the trade union movement are calling for the Coal and nuclear energy remain at the heart of SA's future.
Among other recommendations of the committee, it is suggested that the Department of Energy conduct a socio-economic impact study of the different scenarios of energy mix. The government should also engage in a national dialogue on a "just energy transition" before the end of the fiscal year.
"This should particularly concern communities that will be affected by the transition of fossil fuel use," the report says.
The committee also recommends that the Minister of Energy convene an energy summit to provide a comprehensive picture of South Africa's energy future.
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