JET In The News is a short summary recap of top events, relevant information and discussions, and articles on Just Energy Transition in South Africa from the last week. It aims to keep us all in the loop as it relates to our Just Energy Future!
General:
New DFFE Minister mentions focusing on JET
The newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George has highlighted that a Just Energy Transition is a huge focus area he will be working on. With the track record of decision-making surrounding the just energy transition in South Africa since late 2021, many community activists and civil society organisations hope that the approach to this energy transition will truly center justice, people, and planet.
Read More: https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2024-07-03-im-focusing-on-the-just-transition-says-new-environment-minister-dion-george/
The Climate Change Bill – Approved but Unsigned
South Africa’s climate change bill, passed by the National Assembly in October 2023, remains unsigned by the President. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a greener economy. As a highly vulnerable country to climate change, South Africa urgently needs this legislation to address food and water insecurity and align with global climate goals. The article emphasizes the importance of signing the bill into law to ensure a sustainable future for the country.
Read More: https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/2024-07-05-the-climate-change-bill-must-be-signed-into-law-as-a-matter-of-urgency/
Renewables
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has recently announced that we will “show the country and the rest of the world that we can do it. We are going to be the leaders on this continent in relation to renewable energy.” This comes at a time when our energy landscape is uncertain in South Africa. With the rise of the oil and gas industry one has to wonder if these words are simply just that.
Read More: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-08-ramokgopa-pledges-to-be-ultra-aggressive-with-roll-out-of-renewable-energy/
Fossil Fuels
No longer an Energy Minister, Still Playing with the Lights and Peoples Lives
Despite Minister Gwede Manatshe no longer having energy in his portfolio we see that the addition of petroleum has allowed him to keep his foot in the door. Mantashe intends to highlight South ” South Africa’s Ambitious Plans For Oil And Gas Development At African Energy Week (AEW) 2024″. With experts and frontline communities all agreeing that we not only do not need new gas and oil, but that it is also damaging to our livelihood, its unfortunate to see that our leaders have other ideas. Read More: https://www.africa.com/mantashe-to-highlight-south-africas-ambitious-plans-for-oil-and-gas-development-at-african-energy-week-aew-2024/
Nuclear
New Nukes Still On The Table?
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa tells media that the deptermination to procure 2 500 megawatts of nuclear power will be going forward, pending treasury approval. He notes that they are will to defend this determination “in a pending court challenge by the Democratic Alliance (DA).”
Read More: https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2024-07-09-defiant-ramokgopa-says-nuclear-procurement-will-go-ahead/
Civil Society Nuclear Court Victory and Talks On Extension
Nuclear WatchDog and Former Community Representative on The NNR Board, Peter Becker speaks to Newzroom Africa about recent court case victory and status of the Koeberg long-term operation extension license.
Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-rzmCYxd7E
“The window for nuclear has passed,”
Says energy expert Mohamed Madhi in a recent roundtable interview. The discussion walks us through the over 14 year old plan to procure new nuclear energy in South Africa, and highlights the risks and costs that come with new nuclear energy.
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/ciAmxEsuyNg?si=N2OmNHN8EgRo1hOR
Date: 11 July 2024
