  South Africa is currently facing a critical situation in its power generation
landscape, which is plagued by frequent power outages and the need to move from
fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This period emphasizes the importance
of having firm-dispatchable power to balance out the intermittent nature of
wind and solar energy sources. The paper proposes to repurpose old coal-fired
power plants to generate firm-dispatchable energy in line with the principles
of a Just Transition. Eskom's coal plants are approaching the end of their
economic life, and their declining energy availability factor is becoming a
challenge in meeting the country's energy needs. The study suggests that a
comprehensive strategy that integrates wind, solar, and firm-dispatchable power
can be cost-effective and reliable compared to the traditional coal-based
approach or the nuclear alternative. The study emphasizes the necessity of a
25-year plan that would invest in flexible and modular dispatchable generation.
It also highlights the strategic location of this generating capacity,
including repurposing decommissioned coal plant sites. The proposed model
integrates private investment, adheres to established best practices, and
emphasizes adaptability to changing demand dynamics. The study provides a
roadmap for enabling firm-dispatchable capacity for South Africa's energy
transition, emphasizing economic prudence, environmental sustainability, and
alignment with the principles of the Just Transition program.
