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
17 330 843
17 191 154
17 176 445
17 121 552
15 000 135
Months:
October
November
December
January  February
March
CO2 Figures (Tons):
15 345 783
14 531 337
14 030 667
14 239 870
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