Climate finance can empower South Africa to build a greener, healthier future where it costs less to keep the lights on.

Renewable energy investment could go a long way to filling the gaps caused by retiring coal-fired power plants and would reduce the need for load shedding.

South Africa’s cabinet has approved the $8.5 billion (R155 billion) plan to help the country transition away from fossil fuels.

Renewable energy funds are a vital tool for South Africa’s green energy transition. They can pay for everything from infrastructure upgrades to mine rehabilitation.

Energy is essential for the functioning of any modern economy. South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) does the vital job of maintaining that energy supply.

COP26 saw South Africa make a public commitment to greening its economy. But, can non-renewable resources be part of this transition?

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity provider, is under severe strain. In July 2021, Eskom’s debt stood at about R400 billion.

Since 2006, the amount of gas in the atmosphere has increased, according to NASA. The oil and gas industry has caused the majority of methane gas emissions since 2006, NASA says.

In the lead up to COP26, regulators are likely to raise the pressure on pension funds to join the fight against climate change, Amundi Asset Management says in a new report.