Coal fleet will solve load-shedding – former Eskom CEO 

Former Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga believes that focusing on improving the performance of Eskom’s coal fleet and recognizing the importance of coal will solve South Africa’s load-shedding issues. 

Maroga suggests that Eskom should prioritize its existing infrastructure instead of relying heavily on Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and adding new generation capacity. He praises the utility’s progress in reducing load-shedding through improved performance of the coal fleet.  

Maroga also emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that involves businesses in building new generating capacity and maintaining the coal fleet. These views align with those of Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe, who argues that renewables alone cannot solve load-shedding and that they must be complemented by baseload energy supply from coal, gas, or nuclear sources.  

While South Africa is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon emissions economy, it will not rely entirely on renewables. Mantashe highlights the importance of energy sovereignty and eradicating energy poverty before pursuing decarbonization. 

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