Page 53 - Energize November 2021

TECHNICAL

technology, specifically green H2 and sustainable sources of carbon, it can decarbonise its across industries and amongst government,
petrochemicals and chemicals sector, and unlock the opportunity of becoming a producer of private sector, civil society and the public.
green fuels and chemicals for local demand and export. The NBI, in partnership with BUSA and
This is based on a competitive advantage in the cost-competitive production of green H2 BCG, has worked with leaders in business,
and expertise in the production of synthetic fuels. South Africa has some of the best solar government, civil society and academia
and wind resources on the planet, sufficient land, and access to seawater for desalination. to identify decarbonisation pathways for
The country also has unique Fischer-Tropsch technology for the beneficiation of H2 into key economic sectors aligned to achieving
hydrocarbons, such as e-methanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). net-zero emissions by 2050. These
reports also consider how to achieve a
Why decarbonising key sectors in line with a just transition is important just transition that is economically and
While the decarbonisation of these sectors enables local industrialisation and realisation environmentally sustainable and which
of new export opportunities, helping improve South Africa’s balance of payments, it will be leaves no one behind.
critical to manage socio-economic risks in the mid-term and particularly the displacement Both these reports form part of the
of workers in the coal, refinery and related value chains incorporating about 140 000 jobs broader NBI Just Transition and Climate
today. In addition, increased reliance on liquid fuel imports is also a risk for energy security. Pathways project. This series ultimately
To mitigate these risks will require accelerating decarbonisation across sectors from 2030 aims to develop zero carbon pathways
onwards. for all the sectors of the South African
Given its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, South Africa understands the economy, as well as understand what
need to transition its economy and to decarbonise its coal intensive sectors, as well as to the socio-economic implications will be
build resilience to the impacts of climate change. in order to mitigate the negative impacts
The case for change is also driven by trade risk as key trading partners implement low- and address inequality, poverty and
carbon commitments, with some, like the European Union planning to introduce carbon employment. n
border tax adjustments. This will create mounting pressure for South African compliance,
especially in key economic export sectors like mining, manufacturing and agriculture. Send your comments to
Navigating the transition will be complex and will require a high degree of collaboration rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

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