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This policy brief examines the tensions between South Africa's domestic economic priorities and its international climate diplomacy. It highlights how the country's reliance on a coal-based 'minerals-energy complex' and the need to expand energy access conflict with its desire to be seen as a 'responsible' global actor and a 'bridge builder' in climate negotiations.

Economists from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) critiqued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule on coal combustion residues, arguing that the accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis is flawed and biased toward the coal industry.

This statement, delivered on October 6, 2010, outlines India's energy security strategy, highlighting the critical imbalance between growing energy demand and limited indigenous supply. It details India's reliance on imports, particularly for oil and gas, and its efforts to diversify sources through equity investments in Africa and the Middle East. The document discusses the role of coal as a primary energy source, the potential of nuclear and renewable energy, and the significant infrastructure investments required to sustain economic growth.

This briefing summarizes an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) regarding the role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and public international finance in funding coal-fired power plants, contrasting this with the lower levels of funding for renewable energy and the associated health and environmental costs.

Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder criticized President Bush's planned energy agenda for the State of the Union address, arguing that promoting coal, oil, and nuclear power constitutes 'false solutions' that exacerbate global warming.

This document is a written testimony submitted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to the U.S. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming on September 14, 2007. It argues that carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS) is a critical near-term technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal, as other low-carbon energy sources are currently unable to offset coal use at the necessary scale. WRI advocates for increased public funding for research, development and demonstration (RD&D) and the implementation of a carbon cap and trade regime, while noting that current cap and trade proposals may not provide high enough carbon prices to offset initial CCS capture costs.

This statement by Ken Wicker and Karl R. Rábago of the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) argues against the increased use of coal for electricity generation in Colorado, advocating instead for a diversified energy portfolio centered on energy efficiency and clean renewable resources.

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A statement by 82 health organizations from 30 countries calling on G7 nations to accelerate the global transition away from coal-fired electricity to improve public health and mitigate climate change.

A statement by Sunita Narain of the Center for Science and Environment detailing India's national action plan for climate change, the specific missions established to reduce emissions, and the systemic challenges India faces in transitioning to a low-carbon economy while maintaining equity in global negotiations.

A letter from the Acting Minister of Environmental Affairs of South Africa to the Centre for Environmental Rights acknowledging a study on Coal Independent Power Producers and stating the country's commitment to a science-based climate response and a mix of power generation technologies as per the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

This document consists of the heads of argument filed by Tendele Coal Mining (Pty) Limited (the First Respondent) in the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa. The filing is a response to arguments submitted by an amicus curiae (the Centre for Environmental Rights) regarding whether mining operations commencing before 8 December 2014 required both a mining right under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and a separate environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

This document is a draft written reply from the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs to a National Assembly question (No. 575) regarding a coal washing plant's compliance with the National Water Act in the eMalahleni Municipality.

The document contains the minutes of the SABS SC 146A Source Emissions meeting held on 5 November 2008 in Pretoria. The meeting focused on reviewing proposed minimum emission standards for South Africa, coordinating the work of various Working Groups (WGs), and addressing technical disagreements regarding emission limits and plant definitions.

A statement from the South African Department of Environmental Affairs amending an Environmental Authorisation (EA) issued on 31 October 2013. The amendment concerns the realignment of road D255 for the 450 MW Khanyisa Coal Fired Power Station in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Province.

The South African Department of Environmental Affairs amended the Environmental Authorisation for the Khanyisa Coal Fired Power Station in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, increasing its capacity from 450 MW to 600 MW and slightly realigning the access road to the north-west.

This document consists of draft minutes and presentation slides from an Eskom Board breakaway meeting held on 18 and 19 April 2016. The materials detail a proposed shift in the 'Generation Fleet Renewal Strategy,' moving from decommissioning power stations based on age to a strategy based on economic viability and balance sheet strength.

This document is the cover and introductory pages of an Integrated Water Use Licence Application Report dated July 2016 for the proposed Thabametsi Power Project, a coal-fired independent power producer (IPP) plant located near Lephalale in the Limpopo Province.

This document consists of a letter from ACWA Power Khanyisa Thermal Power Station (RF) (Pty) Ltd to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, dated 7 November 2018, requesting the upliftment of an automatic suspension of its integrated water use licence (IWUL). The suspension resulted from an appeal by the groundWork Trust, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER). ACWA Power argues that the suspension hinders project development and contradicts its existing environmental authorisation.

This document is an Atmospheric Emissions Licence (AEL) issued by the Fezile Dabi District Municipality to Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd for the Lethabo Power Station. Issued on 1 April 2015 and valid until 31 March 2020, the licence regulates emissions from solid fuel combustion and the storage of petroleum products, specifying minimum emission standards for pollutants and reporting requirements within the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area.