Due to its large coal deposits, Mpumalanga accommodates most of the power stations in South Africa. The generation of electricity through coal-fired power stations in South Africa takes place primarily in Mpumalanga (Eskom, 2002). Of the 24 power generation facilities owned by Eskom in the country, 13 are coal-fired power stations, three of which are no longer operational. Eight of the eleven currently operational coal-fired power stations in the country are situated in Mpumalanga province and contribute roughly 70% of the total electricity generated in South Africa. Total electricity sales have increased incrementally over the past 4 years from 171 457 GWh (GegaWatts/hour) in 1998 to a total of 181 511 GWh sold in 2001 (Eskom, 2002). This is most likely due to the increase in electrification in many parts of the country.

The use of coal for energy production results in both the primary environmental impacts associated with the mining and removal of coal for use in coal fired power stations in the province, as well as the secondary impacts resulting from the burning of this coal for energy production. Coal intensive activities contribute to large-scale water and air pollution, including significant carbon dioxide emissions (EIA, 2004), which contribute to global warming. The generation of electricity through coal-fired power stations produces pollutants such as particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (Eskom, 2002). Emissions from coal-fired power stations are a serious concern for Mpumalanga as they cause impaired air quality in areas close to and away from the emission source and much of the demand for electricity in the country thus generates ambient air quality impacts that are felt largely in Mpumalanga and the surrounding areas.  However, a decreasing trend in particulate emissions is being shown in Mpumalanga (Eskom, 2002), probably due to the rise in public awareness or air quality and the importance of frequent monitoring and compliance. Coal combustion can also contribute to acid rain and run-off from mining can contaminate groundwater, while waste coal may spontaneously ignite (EIA, 2004). 

In addition to power generation, coal combustion in stoves and coal heated boilers in hospitals and factories contribute to low-level coal-related atmospheric pollution (EIA, 2004). Such use of coal for domestic and industrial purposes also adds to the environmental impacts associated with commercial energy production from coal-fired power stations in the province. Other environmental impacts associated with energy production include air pollution from synthetic fuel production and vehicle emissions, pollution and health impacts associated with the use of leaded petrol, and oil and fuel spills and leaks can contaminate surface and groundwater.