South Africa: Coal phase-out costs $14 b • Table.Briefings

The coal phase-out in South Africa is seen as a test case of how industrialized countries can help emerging economies with rapid and socially cushioned climate protection. A year ago, the Europeans and the USA promised the African state $8.5 billion for the Just Transition Energy Partnership. So far, costs and details have remained vague. Now South Africa has presented its price tag for the green transition.

For the decarbonization of an economy in a „just transition,“ there is now, for the first time, a price tag for coal phase-out in a major emerging economy. Rapidly reducing coal power in South Africa, building new grids and renewables, and providing social cushioning for the affected population would cost the equivalent of $61.8 billion in total from 2023 to 2027. This is according to the as yet unpublished draft of an official government report, which has now been presented to the South African „Climate Commission“ and international donors and is available exclusively to Climate Table.

South Africa: Coal phase-out costs $14 billion annually

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