Coal fly ash waste management challenges in the South African power generation sector and possible recycling opportunities: a case study of Hendrina and Kendal power stations
Date
2018
Authors
Ramagoma, Mbavhalelo Justice
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Abstract
South Africa will be dependent on coal for power generation for many decades to come, before a complete transition is achieved where more energy will be generated from non-fossil fuel sources. Through case studies of Hendrina and Kendal Power Stations, this study explored how the management of fly ash (FA) waste in South Africa can be improved to minimise its impact on the environment and human health and examined the potential recycling applications that can benefit local communities. The study drew insights from an environmental justice framework to examine the pollution impacts that FA is exposing to the local community. The environmental justice theory is based on the principle that all people have a right to live in an environment that enhances their wellbeing. Empirical evidence obtained from local community’s in-depth interviews revealed that FA is impacting on the health of communities by exposing them to respiratory and other illnesses and it is also affecting their livelihoods which primarily involves farming.
A just transition theory was employed to examine potential socio economic opportunities that can be derived from FA recycling to fulfil redistributive measures that can reduce inequality and eradicate poverty in local communities. Some of Eskom’s power stations like Hendrina are nearing the end of their lifespan since their commissioning in the 1960’s and 1970’s. To aid a just transition, ash recycling was found to have the potential to address the socio economic situation of the power station’s employees and the local communities. The study found that local communities generally lack knowledge about coal ash recycling and need to be empowered and supported to partake in ash recycling ventures. The study argues that a shift in the ash recycling regime is needed in order to benefit local communities and facilitate a just transition to a clean energy production.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
In fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in
Geography and Environmental Studies
31 May 2018
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Citation
Ramagoma, Mbavhalelo Justice (2018) Coal fly ash waste management challenges in the South African power generation sector and possible recycling opportunities: a case study of Hendrina and Kendal power stations, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/25871>