A look at the proposed Chinese power plant in Limpopo Photo: Fossil Free SA
A look at the proposed Chinese power plant in Limpopo Photo: Fossil Free SA
It has been revealed this week that officials from China have put a halt to their plans to build a coal-fired power plant in Limpopo. The 3GW facility has been mired in controversy since it was announced back in 2018, but due to new commitments on fossil fuel emissions, the Chinese project will not go ahead.
China pull out of building a power plant in Limpopo
Fossil Free SA fought against this China-controlled power plant for the past few years. Amongst other things, the group has previously raised concerns about the project’s chief executive being on an Interpol watch list – and they were the first to confirm that the development had been abandoned, after getting in touch with SA’s Chinese Ambassador.
The Chinese government has confirmed in correspondence with Fossil Free South Africa that China will no longer be funding a new 3GW coal-fired power plant in the planned Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone in Limpopo.”
Fossil Free SA
No China-built power plant in South Africa… for now
Ambassador Chen Xiaodong said that the Chinese government is now looking to establish a green and circular economic system, focusing on low-carbon outputs – and it’s hoped that South Africa will remain in their future plans.
“China will not build new coal-fired projects abroad. We are willing to work with all countries, South Africa included, to
Chen Xiaodong
establish a green and circular economic development system [and] green and low-carbon energy.”
Limpopo protest groups breathe sigh of relief
Public consultations on this power plant had been extremely limited, and there were major concerns about how much water this facility would consume in a region already battling against the impact of drought.
Huge amounts of toxic waste were also likely to be a by-product of this 3GW build, and doubts were raised about how many locals could get work here.
- Alas, the project is now dead on arrival – which is music to the ears of Fossil Free SA coordinator, David Le Page:
“We are delighted China is following through on its ground-breaking commitment to end overseas coal financing by cancelling plans for the ill-conceived Musina-Makhado SEZ coal-fired power station.
“We hope that proposals for development in the area will proceed in a way that honours the rights of local communities and of labour, protects biodiversity and water resources, and are in line with South Africa’s Bill of Rights and international commitments to rapidly reduce and eliminate carbon emissions.”
David Le Page
