In the heart of South Africa, where once a thriving maize triangle stood proud, now lies a scarred landscape juxtaposed against giant open-shaft coal mines. These mines, some ablaze since the 1980s, not only poison the soil with sulphuric acid but cast toxic fumes upon the children attending nearby schools. The stark reality is that this once-green region is being transformed into a Mars-like atmosphere, bearing witness to mankind’s relentless pursuit of energy at the cost of Mother Earth.
The irony is palpable — the high-income urban dweller, comfortably cocooned in air-conditioned homes and pristine swimming pools, remains blissfully ignorant of the environmental havoc wreaked in the coal-ridden Mpumalanga belt. The very electricity powering their modern conveniences is derived from burning coal, perpetuating a vicious cycle of carbon emissions and climate change.
Let’s delve into the numbers to comprehend the scale of this environmental degradation. Lethabo, one coal station among many, voraciously devours 50,000 tons of coal daily to generate 3,708 MW of power. Extrapolating this to meet South Africa’s daily power needs of 30,000 MW reveals a staggering requirement of 405,000 tons of coal every day. The financial cost is equally staggering — a daily expense of R46 million, totaling R1.7 billion annually, merely for the coal itself.
Amidst this environmental crisis, a plea emerges — let’s listen to Mother Earth. If she could speak, her resounding cry would undoubtedly be “Go Green.” Greta Thunberg’s impassioned pleas at global summits echo this sentiment, challenging industrial leaders to shift toward sustainable alternatives.
In the realm of green options, solar takes the lead, followed by lithium batteries, hydrogen, and salt batteries. While lithium boasts high energy density, concerns about water consumption for its production emerge. However, innovative breakthroughs worldwide, such as recyclable solar panels, salt ion batteries, and hydrogen-powered vehicles, showcase promising strides toward sustainable energy.
The journey toward clean power is not without hurdles, but recent advancements suggest a future where hydrogen, solar, wind, and nuclear power can replace the dirty coal narrative. South Africa’s Renewable Energy Investment Program (REIP) and companies that invest in solar and wind farms, signal a shift towards a cleaner, decentralized energy landscape.
Imagine a future where every household harnesses solar power, reducing the demand for coal. Picture a world where hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by home solar systems, becomes a staple for households and even fuels local filling stations. This vision, coupled with decentralized power generation, could lead South Africa and the world toward a net-zero carbon future — a future where Mother Earth smiles upon her rejuvenated and sustainable bounty.
The path to a green, sustainable, and productive earth for our grandchildren is within reach. It’s time to embrace renewable energy, listen to Mother Earth, and usher in an era where prosperity harmonizes with environmental stewardship.
Henri Finnemore (CEO Cape Solace)
