Eskom Disputes Greenpeace Report on Nitrogen and Sulfur Dioxide Emissions: A Look at the Coal-Fired Power Plants in South Africa

South Africa’s state-owned power company, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., has disputed the findings of a Greenpeace report that claimed it operates at some of the world’s worst sites for emitting toxic nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. A report published in collaboration with the Center for Energy and Clean Air Research identified coal-fired power plants operated by Eskom as among the top 10 single-source nitrogen dioxide emitters and two of the top 10 sulfur dioxide emitters globally.

In response to the report, Eskom stated that the emissions were based on satellite interpretation of high levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, linking them to health impacts at ground level. The company claimed that at country level, its factories generally meet South Africa’s nitrogen dioxide emission levels, with any non-compliance attributed to nearby vehicular traffic and other industrial sources. However, Eskom also noted that South Africa relies heavily on coal for more than 80% of its electricity generation, leading to some of the worst air pollution in the world. Despite emissions standards being less stringent than those in China and India, enforcement is lacking.

To address these concerns, Eskom has invested in new technology to reduce emissions from its coal-fired power stations. Its latest coal-fired power stations have low-NOx burners to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions and flue gas desulphurisation units to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. However, equipment at Kusile is currently bypassed due to an accident. Overall, Eskom remains committed to improving air quality in South Africa while continuing to provide reliable electricity to its customers.