WATCH | Green energy cheaper than coal - De Ruyter

JOHANNESBURG - Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter says it will be cheaper to move to green energy than build compliant coal plants.

He says it will cost around R300bn to ensure power stations are compliant.

De Ruyter was speaking at COP27 in Sharm El Sheik in Egypt.

Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, says it will be cheaper to move to green energy than build compliant coal plants. He says it will cost around R300bn to ensure power stations are compliant. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/AbBfDSlOi9

— eNCA (@eNCA) November 17, 2022

At the same time, the Eskom CEO says it's time to look for new opportunities when it comes to the country’s old coal-fired power stations.

The decommissioning and repurposing of coal-fired power stations is underway. 

Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, says it's time to look for new opportunities when it comes to the country’s old coal-fired power stations. The decommissioning and repurposing of coal-fired power stations is underway. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/xheJULaWrG

— eNCA (@eNCA) November 17, 2022

First on the line was the Komati Power Station in Mpumalanga, which has been firing since 1961. It was shut down last month. 

De Ruyter says the decommissioning of the plants will not have a significant impact on the national grid.