Sweden is officially coal-free – and SA should take note via TheCitizen_News
A mild winter in Sweden and a commitment to ditching fossil fuels has culminated in the closing down of the country’s last coal-fired power plant. An announcement in April revealed the last of the KVV6 boilers at Värtaverket in Hjorthagen, eastern Stockholm, which had been providing heat and electricity to citizens since 1989, had officially closed in a bid to reduce emissions. The plant, owned by Stockholm Exergi, had already closed its first boiler before the winter of 2019/2020.
Just 40 years ago, the region was almost completely fossil fuel-dependent. Now, 40% of its electricity comes from nuclear power reactors. The remaining 60% is a combination of hydro, wind, biofuels and waste, and 1% fossil fuels. Sweden is the third European country to phase out coal completely, after Belgium and Austria.
There are 47.58 million more people living in South Africa than in Sweden, and yet Sweden consumes 9,016kWh/year per capita more electricity. IRP2019 sought to clarify the country’s stance on the extent of environmental sustainability within the energy generating sector, progress reports on existing power plants, and future plans for coal, nuclear, gas and renewable energy mixes.
Using CCUS and CCS technology, coal is captured, transported and either used, or stored in geological rock formations. “Why would you want to do that when renewable energy technologies exist that enable us to harvest the sun and the wind to make electricity?” “Koeberg is an ageing plant and as with old cars, once you replace one part, something else then breaks,” she said, adding that nuclear is a distraction in the climate change debate.
Environmental challenges such as climate change will exacerbate current socio-economic battles. This, coupled with being a water-stressed country, means the country must be mindful of renewable energy solutions, to use less water, create more jobs, and minimise health and climate risks, Lloyd explained.Perhaps the best course of action when comparing South Africa’s energy mix with Sweden’s is looking at common factors: a move away from coal, and a push for renewable energy.
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