Eskom and Exxaro Resources have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and advancing South Africa’s Just Transition. The agreement, announced on 8 April, aligns with the country’s environmental commitments under the Paris Agreement and national regulatory frameworks.

According to a joint statement, the partnership aims to jointly measure, manage, and reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. It also plans to invest in innovative technologies to support decarbonisation and promote inclusive initiatives such as skills development, green job creation, and community engagement to ensure long-term climate resilience.

The MoU includes provisions for data sharing and transparent reporting to ensure accountability throughout the process.

Exxaro CEO Ben Magara highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “This collaboration enables us to accelerate scalable solutions that not only reduce emissions but also bring socio-economic benefits to communities. It reinforces our purpose of powering better lives in Africa and beyond.”

The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on identifying investment opportunities and stakeholders needed to develop technology-based solutions aligned with South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane added, “This initiative is part of Eskom’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and air pollutants. We are committed to ensuring a sustainable energy future while maintaining national energy security.”

Exxaro, a South African-based diversified resources company, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company stated that partnerships like this are key to embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities into its operations.

Eskom’s Research, Testing, and Development (RT&D) unit will lead the partnership, focusing on the development of technological innovations for emissions management and greenhouse gas abatement.

The utility also reiterated its focus on a diversified energy mix, combining coal, nuclear, gas, renewables, and energy storage systems such as batteries and pumped hydro, to ensure secure and sustainable electricity supply.

Source: SAnews.gov.za