8 coal-fired Eskom power stations approved to continue operating outside pollution standards

JOHANNESBURG - Eskom has received approval to continue operating eight of its coal-fired power stations outside the country’s pollution standards. 

In December, Eskom applied to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment to exempt eight of its power stations from the country’s minimum emission standards.  

Emission standards are set to regulate the discharge of harmful chemicals from coal stations to protect the environment around them.  

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday morning, Environment Minister Dion George said the decision to grant the exemption is a balancing act between the country’s energy needs and the constitutional right to a healthy environment.  

“I have decided to grant limited exemptions to Eskom. These exemptions are not a blanket reprieve but are tailored to each facility with stringent conditions to mitigate the impacts of non-compliance.”