Even using the cleanest technology available, coal’s severe environmental, health and climate consequences remain unavoidable.

Authorities confirm methane gas caused last month’s explosion in Johannesburg city, which killed one person and injured several others.

Analysts agree that natural gas is too risky for South Africa, and it is not needed for the energy transition from coal to clean.

Coal is the world’s dirtiest energy. A just transition from coal mining will profoundly benefit people and the environment.

The mission of the Department of Energy is to “regulate and transform the sector for the provision of secure, sustainable and affordable energy”.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is the regulatory body for the country’s energy industries. It regulates the electricity, gas and petroleum pipeline industries.

South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is the country’s long-term energy plan until 2030. It became official government policy in October 2019.