Coal Truckers Protest Renewables in South Africa

Coal truck drivers in South Africa recently protested against the government’s decision to invest in renewable energy from independent power producers. On March 1, traffic came to a standstill in Pretoria, South Africa, when contracted coal truck transporters were moving at a snail’s pace in an effort to get a reaction from the government regarding Eskom’s intention to use more renewable energy, ESI Africa reported. More than 100 coal truck drivers blocked several roads around the capital. In February, while delivering the State of the Nation address, South African President Jacob Zuma said his administration was now more committed to the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP). He emphasized a move toward renewables while explaining that the government continues to work toward ensuring national energy security.