SASOL Ltd’s revised emissions strategy could have significant implications for Sasolburg, a key industrial hub in the Free State province, as the petrochemical giant adjusts its energy mix to meet emissions targets while sustaining operations.
Sasolburg, home to the company’s pioneering petrochemical refinery, is among several areas under pressure to reduce harmful air pollution from coal combustion.
Sasol, South Africa’s second-largest emitter, faces the challenge of curbing emissions without disrupting key industries or eliminating jobs.
Chief executive Simon Baloyi has reaffirmed Sasol’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030, but obstacles in securing alternative energy sources have forced a temporary reliance on coal.
The company is now boosting renewable energy use and enhancing efficiency measures to offset emissions.
Sasol is a key employer in Sasolburg, supporting jobs and businesses across the supply chain.
Changes in its energy strategy could have wide-ranging effects on employment, investment and economic stability in the region.
Any reduction in coal dependence could impact thousands of workers in Sasolburg and nearby areas.
However, Sasol’s gradual transition approach may help mitigate job losses and create opportunities in renewable energy sectors.
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sasolburg rely on contracts with Sasol.
A shift toward clean energy could open new avenues for businesses in renewable energy, engineering and environmental services.
Sasol’s continued use of coal aligns with state utility Eskom’s strategy of extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants to stabilise electricity supply.
While necessary for economic continuity, this move may slow the province’s transition to greener energy.
Sasol has secured 750 megawatts of green energy and is open to doubling its investment in renewables.
However, the company has ruled out large-scale adoption of green hydrogen due to high costs.
Instead, Sasol is focusing on optimizing its coal supply chain by improving quality and production efficiency to reduce emissions.
The company’s efforts to remove stones from coal could increase output from the current seven million tonnes, helping sustain fuel and chemical production at its Secunda facility.
Sasol’s strategy signals a pragmatic approach to balancing environmental targets with economic realities.
While Sasolburg faces uncertainty, investments in renewable energy and efficiency improvements could preserve jobs and reduce emissions over time.
For the Free State, Sasol’s evolving energy plans present both opportunities and challenges. Investment in clean energy infrastructure could attract new industries, but the region must also prepare for potential shifts in traditional coal-based economic activities.
Sasol’s decisions will shape Sasolburg’s future as an industrial hub and influence South Africa’s broader energy transition.
Whether the city emerges stronger will depend on how well stakeholders – including government, businesses, and workers – adapt to the changing landscape. – Staff Reporter