Eskom’s outgoing CEO André De Ruyter supported the launch of renewables.
- Just energy transition plans developed under De Ruyter’s watch will remain in place upon his departure from Eskom, Gordhan says.
- De Ruyter played a key role in forming the Just Energy Transition Partnership with wealthy nations.
- Gordhan said the country remains committed to reducing emissions.
- For news and analysis on climate change, go to News24 Climate Future.
Eskom’s just energy transition plans, developed under the supervision of André de Ruyter, will remain in place even after he leaves the utility, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said.
The minister spoke at a press conference on Thursday about De Ruyter’s resignation.
De Ruyter told the media that his position had become untenable. His resignation follows reports from Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe accusing Eskom of “actively agitating for the overthrow of the state” by failing to address charge reduction. Mantashe has also been outspoken in criticizing De Ruyter’s skills, which he does not believe are suitable for leading the utility.
“Given the recent media reports, I am unfortunately currently in a position where I do not consider that position to be tenable,” De Ruyter said.
However, Gordhan and the chairman of the board, Mpho Makwana, expressed their gratitude for De Ruyter’s service to the utility.
During his tenure, De Ruyter promoted a vision for Eskom that supported renewable energy deployment and a just transition.
“The plans developed under André’s leadership in relation to the just energy transition are still in place, they will continue to be implemented and the first changes in regards to the Komati power plant… will continue to happen,” Gordhan said.
READ | De Ruyter exit: Concern over energy transition, $8.5bn pledge from rich countries
De Ruyter was instrumental in the formation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership with the wealthy nations: UK, US, France, Germany and the EU. Former director of Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Office, Mandy Rambharos, said De Ruyter was “a very important figure” who was given “credibility” by lenders.
Alex Lenferna, secretary of the Coalition for Climate Justice, noted that compared to previous CEOs of the utility, De Ruyter was “leads and bounds” when it came to pursuing renewable energy. Lenferna said that both De Ruyter and Rambharos were instrumental in moving Eskom towards closing coal-fired power plants and making way for renewables which are combined with just transitions.
Lenferna said there was a lot of concern about who could replace De Ruyter and whether his successor would follow suit. Rambharos similarly noted that while renewables and just transition are part of Eskom’s corporate strategy, a lot depends on what a new chief executive does. “It depends on the change in leadership and whether they support our vision for JET,” Rambharos said.
Makwana said the board will “stay the course” of the dual strategy to maintain and service the existing fleet while improving the power availability factor (or performance) of the plants, all while continuing to embark on the just energy transition.
Gordhan said the country as a whole is committed to reducing emissions, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution which was presented at the UN climate conference COP26 and reaffirmed at COP27.
