South African Court’s Landmark Judgment: Transitioning Away from Coal

Sub : Env

Sec: Climate change

Why in News

South Africa’s High Court in Pretoria delivered a landmark judgment by rejecting the government’s plan to expand coal-fired power generation. The court declared the proposal inconsistent with the country’s Constitution, marking a significant victory for civil society organizations advocating against fossil fuels.

Background of the Case:

South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) of 2019 proposed adding 1,500 MW of coal power—750 MW by 2023 and another 750 MW by 2027—to the national grid.
This proposal was backed by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in 2020.

The ‘Cancel Coal’ Initiative:

Organizations such as the African Climate Alliance, Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action, and the Groundwork Trust, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, filed a case challenging the coal expansion.
The groups highlighted environmental degradation, public health concerns, and constitutional violations, especially concerning children’s rights.

South Africa’s Energy Landscape:

Approximately 71% of South Africa’s energy supply comes from coal, as per the International Energy Agency (2022).
South Africa is the 16th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, as per Climate Watch.
South Africa is legally obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the agreement.
National Goals: Reduce 350–420 MtCO2e of emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted the Climate Change Act to institutionalize emission reductions.

About Climate Watch:

Climate Watch is an open online platform developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) that provides users with comprehensive climate-related data, visualizations, and resources.
Its primary goal is to support countries, policymakers, researchers, and the public in accessing reliable information to achieve climate and sustainable development objectives.
Offers detailed information on national and global greenhouse gas emissions, enabling users to analyse trends and identify key emission sources.
Provides insights into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, facilitating comparisons and assessments of climate commitments.

About Coal:

Coal is a sedimentary, organic rock which is flammable composed primarily of carbon along with other elements such as hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
It is used mainly in the generation of thermal power and smelting of iron ore.
Also called black gold.

Formation Of Coal:

Coal is formed from dead plants remains.
These dead plants get compressed beneath rocks in a low oxygen environment.
Due to high pressure and heat, this organic matter gets converted into Peat(partially decayed organic matter).
This peat is converted into low carbon coal i.e., lignite.
More heat and pressure convert lignite into bituminous and then to anthracite.

Types Of Coal:

On the basis of carbon content and order of formation:
- PEAT– 40% CARBON (NE)
- LIGNITE– 40-60% CARBON – Low Quality – Brown in colour- found in Neyveli in TN.
- BITUMINOUS– 60-80% CARBON. It is soft coal. In India, much of the coal comes under this category.
- ANTHRACITE– 80-90% CARBON. It is mainly found in the district of Reasi in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.