EU highlights obstacles to a bright green economic recovery

This year could be crucial for an inclusive global, green recovery that focuses on renewable energy, green jobs, and ensures social protection for the most vulnerable in South Africa, but, as energy expert Professor Anton Eberhard pointed out in the Sunday Times, Ministers are holding up energy reforms, keeping SA in the dark. A trillion rands needs to be invested in new power in SA over the next decade in order to restore energy security. Opening up the electricity sector to massive flows of private investment in generation capacity is now our only option, but key enabling reforms still have to be enacted. Michael Avery spoke to EU Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Riina Kionka; and Joanne Yawitch, CEO of the National Business Initiative, about the obstacles to unlocking the nation’s green potential.