South Africa’s indigenous energy resource base is dominated by coal. Internationally, coal is the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for about 36 percent of the total fuel consumption of the world’s electricity production. About 77 percent of South Africa’s primary energy needs are provided by coal.
Why does South Africa use so much coal?
SA has abundant coal reserves. Coal-fired power stations are reliable. South Africa’s infrastructure to generate electricity from coal is well established. Burning coal is the most cost-effective and energy efficient way of generating electricity.
How does coal contribute to South Africa’s economy?
remains a critically important source of primary energy (electricity and liquid fuels) that drives South Africa’s economy. In 2018, the coal industry produced 252.6 million t of coal, generated sales of R139. 4 billion (49% through exports) and paid R1. 6 billion in royalties.
What do we use coal for now?
People began using coal in the 1800s to heat their homes. Trains and ships used coal for fuel. Factories used coal to make iron and steel. Today, we burn coal mainly to make electricity.
Does South Africa have a lot of coal?
South Africa produces in excess of 255 million tonnes of coal (2011 estimate) and consumes almost three quarters of that domestically. As of 2018, South Africa was the seventh largest producer and consumer of coal in the world. … 92% of coal consumed on the African continent is produced in South Africa.
Which is the biggest coal mine in South Africa?
The Mafube Colliery is currently the largest coal mining project in South Africa: produces 1.1 million tons of coal per year.
Which province has the most coal mines in South Africa?
South Africa’s coal mining occurs mainly within the Mpumalanga Province, which produces some 81% of the country’s total output.
Where is coal mostly found in South Africa?
Coal is found in South Africa in 19 coalfields (Figure 1), located mainly in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Free State, with lesser amounts in Gauteng, the North West Province and the Eastern Cape.
Does South Africa export coal?
In addition to the extensive use of coal in the domestic economy, about 28 percent of South Africa’s production is exported, mainly through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, making South Africa the fourth-largest coal exporting country in the world.
Is there unlimited supply of coal in South Africa?
The country has vast coal reserves extracted by cheap open-cast mining. The almost unlimited supply of this fuel source encouraged the development of many large coal power plants, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. By 2010, 90% of South Africa’s electricity was generated from coal.
Why is coal bad for you?
Along with adding to greenhouse gas pollution, burning coal emits toxic and carcinogenic substances into our air, water and land, severely affecting the health of miners, workers and surrounding communities. … In India, coal kills about 169,000 people annually.
Why is coal so cheap?
Coal is only considered cheap because coal plants do not have to pay for the full social and environmental costs of coal burning on people’s health, the natural environment, and our climate.
Why is coal so bad?
Emissions from burning coal
Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses. Particulates, which contribute to smog, haze, and respiratory illnesses and lung disease. Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary greenhouse gas produced from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)
What is the most important use of coal in South Africa?
Coal as a source of energy
Coal is South Africa’s dominant energy source. 77% of South Africa’s energy needs are provided by coal, according to the Department of Energy6. Eskom produces 95% of electricity used in South Africa7, and its coal-fired stations produce about 90% of electricity produced by the utility8.
How much is a ton of coal in South Africa?
Coal, South African export price Monthly Price – US Dollars per Metric Ton
| Month | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2016 | 89.15 | 6.40 % |
| Dec 2016 | 80.19 | -10.05 % |
| Jan 2017 | 86.49 | 7.86 % |
| Feb 2017 | 83.60 | -3.34 % |
How much does South Africa rely on coal?
South Africa’s indigenous energy resource base is dominated by coal. Internationally, coal is the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for about 36 percent of the total fuel consumption of the world’s electricity production. About 77 percent of South Africa’s primary energy needs are provided by coal.