KAROO NEWS - The DA Shadow Minister of Electricity, Samantha Graham-Maré, recently joined a South African delegation on a study tour to Germany to investigate the implementation of Germany's Just Energy Transition Programme (JETP). This visit followed the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between South Africa and the International Partners Group – France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union - announced at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021.

South Africa is among the top 15 carbon dioxide emitters in the world due to its coal-dependent energy industry. 

Founded with an initial commitment of $8,5-billion, the JETP aims to prevent one to 1,5 gigatons of emissions over the next two decades by supporting a just energy transition from coal to renewable energy alternatives in South Africa while addressing the social impact of this shift. 

Based on this, the delegation concentrated on learning from Germany's energy transition, especially in areas like northern Germany, known for its wind energy production.

Civil society organisations such as 350.org and the Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC) believe that the JETP can achieve climate justice if properly executed. 

However, there are some concerns relating to the terms of the JETP deals, particularly the disparity between the $8,5-billion pledged and the estimated $250-billion needed to transform the South African energy system.

Financing for South Africa's JETP is heavily reliant on loans rather than grants and it appears to be based on market principles. 

The national debt and the potential austerity that may result from this is concerning. It is essential for funding from the JETP and Climate Investment Fund to be transparent, accountable, and additional to all climate funding previously committed. 

Utilisation of these funds must align with the nation's climate and energy targets, as well as its social justice goals to support workers and communities affected by the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants.

The recently released JETP Implementation Plan outlines priority areas for fund utilisation and offers a glimpse into the flow of funds through the JETP Finance Platform. This plan will be launched at COP28 and also promises a report on the progress made thus far.

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