Eskom Proposes R131bn COP26 Allocation Be Spent On Grid Expansion

LOCAL NEWS

• Eskom proposes that a substantial portion of the Cop26 R131bn allocation be used to expand the grid in order to encourage more investment in renewable electricity, retire old coal plants and cushion the impact on coal-dependent communities.
  • The trade dept is challenging this, however, calling for some to be allocated to EV production and green hydrogen production to place SA as a major producer in the space. An estimated R180bn is needed to fully expand Eskom’s grid and is seen as the best way to transition away from coal by Govt - BusinessTech
• South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) reports that it has cost taxpayers R45 billion to pay the R350 social relief of distress grant to approximately 10.5 million South Africans affected by the Covid-19 pandemic since April 2020.
  • During his reply to the SONA debate, Ramaphosa said government is extending the R350 social relief grant for another year. However, Sassa says that it is currently unable to forecast how much the next 12 months will cost taxpayers - TimesLive