This report explores some of the main challenges associated with the likelihood that South Africa’s coal production might decline significantly, potentially over the next five to ten years. The authors highlight some of the key issues that need to be thought through and discussed as part of ensuring a “just transition” to this future.

This report explores pathways, implications and policy options of for a full phase out of South Africa’s aging coal power infrastructure during the next decades. It also highlights issues of employment, economic development and social cohesion linked to the future of South Africa’s coal production and export industry.

The University of Cape Town’s Energy Research Centre has published a report entitled “An assessment of new coal plants in South Africa’s electricity future: the cost, emissions, and supply security implications of the coal IPP programme”.