Climate campaigners issue lawsuit over coal policy

A plan to build new coal-fired power stations is being challenged in court for breaching the rights of current and future generations.

Three civil society organisations have launched a constitutional lawsuit in the North Gauteng high court against the government, arguing that its energy policy is incompatible with the national constitution.

Coal makes up about 80% of South Africa’s energy mix, and the government intends to add 1,500MW more over six years. The country was one of 197 countries to commit to “phasing down” coal at the Cop26 climate summit.