Assessing the social and environmental impacts of the just energy transition in Komati, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

The purpose of this study is to identify both social and environmental impacts caused by energy transition. The case of the decommissioning of Komati power station was utilised. The study further asses the degree with which the community were involved or participated in this decommissioning.

Key Findings/Recommendations: Based on the findings of this study, residents indicated concerns about the impacts the closure of the Komati power station would give rise to. On the social side, concerns were in terms of job security, livelihood, well-being, community development and energy provision. On the environmental aspect, residents were concerned about lack of rehabilitation. Furthermore, the community were not aware of or involved in the discussions of the energy transition of Komati. Recommendations are that when restructuring takes place in each area, the community must be fully involved.

Read online: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221462962400080X