Emissions
Eskom’s power generation from fossil fuels releases pollutant emissions that include sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
Dealing with GHGs requires a shift in energy mix to a combination of lower-carbon-emitting technologies, such as renewables, gas, and nuclear. In other words, for Eskom to reduce its absolute emissions of GHGs, it would have to shut down coal plant and replace them with lower or zero GHG emitting plant, which we plan to address with our programme to repurpose power stations aligned with the intent of the “just transition”.
Eskom CO2 data
Under the Paris Agreement, South Africa has pledged that the country’s Greenhouse gas emissions will peak by 2025, plateau for another 10 years and then decline from 2036. Historically, electricity accounts for approximately 42% of national Greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this target, the country will need to invest in lower or zero-emitting technologies, as the current coal-fired electricity generation fleet reaches the end of its life.
The figures reported monthly are indicative and may differ with those published in Eskom annual Integrated report.
The CO2 figures reported below are calculated figures based on coal characteristics and power station design parameters based on coal analysis and using coal burnt tonnages. Figures include coal-fired and gas turbine power stations, as well as oil consumed during power station start-ups.
Note: The figures reported monthly are indicative and may differ with those published in Eskom annual Integrated report.
Table with figures updated monthly
2023/2024
Months: | April | May | June | July | August | September |
CO2 Figures (Tons): | 14 606 113 | 15 699 983 |
16 104 498 | 17 404 827 |
15 768 021 | 14 972 886 |
Months: | October |
November | December |
January | February |
March |
CO2 Figures (Tons): |
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2022/2023
Months: | April | May | June | July | August | September | |||
CO2 Figures (Tons): | 15 752 331 |
|
17 191 154 |
|
17 121 552 |
|
Months: |
October |
November |
December |
January | February |
March |
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CO2 Figures (Tons): |
|
|
|
|
13 439 423 | 16 370 969 |
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2021/2022
Months: | April | May | June | July | August | September |
CO2 Figures (Tons): | 16 532 793 | 17 383 870 | 17 124 593 | 19 142 893,04 | 18 454 444,86 | 17 060 293,29 |
Months: | October |
November | December |
January | February |
March |
CO2 Figures (Tons): | 16 984 671 | 16 539 135 | 15 532 551 | 16 917 419.98 | 16 557 871.99 | 17 752 403,18 |
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2020/2021
Months: | April | May | June | July | August | September |
CO2 Figures (Tons): | 13 402 568,99 | 16 092 404,37 | 17 803 358,37 | 17 698 728,44 | 17 559 801,26 | 18 084 979,11 |
Months: | October | November | December | January | February | March |
CO2 Figures (Tons): | 17 825 162,13 | 16 585 750,75 | 16 056 123,87 | 16 915 306.6 | 16 101 392.8 | 18 622 308.5 |
Atmospheric Emission License (EAL) reports
Eskom’s power generation from fossil fuels releases pollutant emissions that include sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). Eskom power stations’ therefore monitor compliance to their emissions limits as set in their Atmospheric Emission Licenses (AEL) on a continuous basis. The emission reports provided are those as submitted to the power stations’ respective licensing authoritys