Archive: Net zero


News & Analysis Aerial photo of coal power plant

New analysis reveals how industry lobbying is successfully obstructing progress to net zero and the associated socio-economic benefits.

Explainer Photograph of a gas meter that measures consumption in cubic metres. A white person's right hand is touching the meter at the point where the numbers are going up, perhaps to convey the idea that the person is worried about their gas consumption. There is a thick layer of dust on the meter.

The place of natural gas in a clean energy future is hotly debated. But, there is a simple answer to whether natural gas is renewable.

Explainer Green landscape with wind turbines in the distance. Sunlight breaking through the clouds.

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

Explainer Aerial view of solar panels

While fossil fuel prices soar, solar is the solution to affordable energy security, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Explainer Floating icons of official national flags of the world

The Kyoto Protocol made history in 1997 as the first major international effort to slow climate change.

Explainer

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

Explainer Aerial photograph of an electric vehicle driving on a one-track road with fields either side and a farmhouse or barn in the distance.

Running an electric car saves money long term, and it also means being less vulnerable to temporary price spikes and shortages of petrol and diesel.

News & Analysis Sunset photo of massive coal plant in Mpumalanga

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

News & Analysis Looking up an glass wrapped modern office building

Time is running out for owners of large buildings to get official energy ratings.

Explainer Photograph of a small green plant growing out of a jar of coins

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

Explainer Deep red sky with sun and clouds

Global warming is making extreme events, such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, floods and tropical storms, more frequent and severe.

Explainer Aerial photo of Cape Town lit up at night

While waiting for government measures to be implemented, many businesses are taking control of their own energy security through investment in solar.

Explainer Decommissioned power stations in Cape Town

South Africa’s Low Emission Development Strategy 2050 is the country’s most recent emissions reductions plan.

Explainer Wind farm in front of blue sky, South Africa

Like many countries worldwide, South Africa has committed to reaching net zero by 2050. To achieve this, the country will need to invest heavily in renewables, including wind energy.

Explainer Solar panels power a building in Cape Town, South Africa.

With the roll out of solar panels globally, solar energy is increasing in popularity as an alternative, renewable source of energy. In South Africa, this is no different.

Explainer A wind farm in Caledon, Western Cape.

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

Explainer The tallest building in Africa, The Leonardo. Based in Sandton, South Africa

A carbon footprint is the number of greenhouse gases emitted through a person, business or even a country’s activities. These greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane.

Explainer Power station emitting clouds of smoke and pollutants into the air

Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound that presents as a gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. It consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

Explainer Natural gas pipelines and gas 'flaring' flame emitting black smoke

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.

News & Analysis

South African mining houses are gravitating towards ‘green’ metals. This is in addition to investing in renewable energy projects to power their operations.