Page 21 - Energize November 2022

INDUSTRY NEWS

INVITATION TO SUBMIT COMMENTS:

The repurposing of Komati power station

Eskom invites comments on the socio-economic impact study for shutdown and
repurposing of Komati Power Station

just energy transition secures the This study was undertaken and repowering the Komati power
future and livelihoods of workers proactively to assess the prevailing station. The proposed solutions are
A and their communities while socio-economic conditions within the multifaceted and seek to mitigate the
transitioning to a low-carbon economy. immediate and greater Mpumalanga effects on Eskom, the community and
Eskom has developed an ambitious and area, and to develop mitigation the economy through reskilling and
comprehensive Just Energy Transition measures to reduce the potential upskilling of the Komati power station’s
(JET) strategy which places equivalent negative social and economic impacts staff and qualifying beneficiaries from
significance on the transitional that could ensue from the shutdown of the surrounding communities, and the
components of the strategy and the these three power stations. development of local enterprises and
ability to do so in a manner that is ‘just’, As part of the study methodology, value chains to support the overall JET
thus ensuring that socio-economic Urban-Econ Development Economists strategy.
development is not eroded or hindered undertook an extensive social Eskom invites all interested parties
and that sustainable jobs are created. and economic data gathering and to review the report and provide
In support of the JET strategy, investigation process, inclusive of several comments.
Eskom has commissioned studies to stakeholder engagement sessions. The
understand the impact of the power socio-economic impact assessment Access the Komati SEIA for
station shutdown on the society and study for the Komati power station has shutdown and repurposing
economy within the affected areas. been completed. It provides a detailed study report here.
In January 2020, following a strict analysis of the potential impacts that
procurement process, Eskom awarded could follow as a result of the closure of Comments should be submitted by
Urban-Econ Development Economists a the power station; it proposes a plan to email to: social@urban-econ.com or
contract to undertake a socio-economic mitigate the identified impacts. via WhatsApp: +27 60 978 8396,
impact study on the planned shutdown The resultant socio-economic by no later than 18 November 2022.
and repurposing of the aged Komati, impact mitigation implementation Contact Eskom,
Hendrina and Grootvlei coal-fired power plan follows a holistic approach and Phone 011 800-3433/5944/6050,
stations located in Mpumalanga. recommends solutions for repurposing mediadesk@eskom.co.za

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