South Africa risks creating ‘ghost towns’ in power shift: Eskom CEO

[BusinessTech]

South Africa risks creating ‘ghost towns’ in power shift: Eskom CEO

Eskom chief executive Andre de Ruyter says that South Africa has been home to almost 100 years of coal-based power generation and that it risks creating 'ghost towns' if the country suddenly shifts to renewable energy sources.

 

[konfab]

The smart thing would be to use the sites of these old power stations for SMRs. It is one of the intended uses for Nuscale reactors.

If you look at the exclusion zone around Koeberg, it is about 1km away from the nearest residence. Which is less than the distance between some of the coal power stations and the nearest residential places.

 

[pinball wizard]

Eskom runs the risk of turning the entire country into a ghost town if they don't sort their **** out and keep the lights on.

 

[mojoman]

Like there are not 100s of ghost towns all over this country anyway after 27 years of the cANCer....
Whats a few more...

 

[dualmeister]

Much of South Africa already looks like a post apocalyptic ghost town

 

[Vrotappel]

This country doing anything suddenly is impossible. There are many ways this can be done orderly and in ways to sustain these areas.

 

[3WA]

Can't they adapt to a new economic driver based on their abilities? Like farming or bestiality porn or something?

 

[Cius]

It happens all over the world. Not a reason to keep coal alive I am afraid. Some towns will cope better as they are more diversified, others, not so much. New towns will grow in the Northern Cape around solar farms perhaps and they could use the economic stimulus.

 

[pinball wizard]

Like farming or bestiality porn or something?

Two birds and one stone right there.

 

[3WA]

Two birds and one stone right there.

I was thinking sheep, nice and simple, but yeah, if someone can find a way to hold the ostrich still, why not?

 

[deweyzeph]

Employment considerations are not good reasons to keep a dying industry or company alive. Unless you live in a communist state of course....

 

[JohnStarr]

Like there are not 100s of ghost towns all over this country anyway after 27 years of the cANCer....
Whats a few more...

Well, PLZ now has another ANC mayor as they formed the coalition. We are expecting to have more potholes, less painted roads, less service delivery coming again.
DA just cannot seem to hold onto this bloody city!

 

[BeerIsNotGood...]

Much of South Africa already looks like a post apocalyptic ghost town

Plenty of destroyed towns all over the place

 

[backstreetboy]

Put solar panels there. Problem solved...

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Too bad for them. Better a few ghost towns than a ghost country...