Dion George gives go ahead for new 4 000MW nuclear plant
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister
The minister's decision, announced on Friday, came after he resolved under section 43(6) of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema), to dismiss the appeals from various environmental organisations, and confirm the environmental authorisation to Eskom for the planned 4 000 megawatt power station in Duynefontein. The proposed project is adjacent to the existing
George said that he had carefully reviewed the environmental impact assessment report, as well as the
'In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of [the Act] … and with full appreciation of the environmental, social and economic considerations involved,' the minister said.
The original decision to grant the environmental authorisation was made in October 2017.
Various appellants challenged the decision, submitting appeals that ranged from comprehensive and detailed submissions to shorter, individual objections.
George's decision does not automatically grant Eskom permission to begin with the construction or operation of the nuclear power station. The state-owned power utility is still required to obtain several additional statutory authorisations before proceeding in accordance with section 24(7) of Nema.
'As per section 24(7) of [the Act], the granting of an environmental authorisation does not exempt an applicant from complying with any other applicable legal requirements or obtaining permits from other competent authorities,' noted George.
These authorisations include a nuclear installation licence from the National Nuclear Regulator; approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa; water use licences from the department of water and sanitation; as well as other relevant approvals such as those from the minister of mineral and petroleum resources.
George emphasised that the protection and preservation of the country's environment is non-negotiable. He said his department supports the country's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future 'where inclusive growth, job creation and poverty reduction are central'.
Earthlife Africa is considering George's decision, as well as its next steps, said Lekalakala, the director of the non-profit environmental organisation.
'Our concerns include the length of time taken to conduct the environmental impact assessment and to make the appeal decision,' she said.
'We are also deeply concerned about the
In addition, there has been no assessment of the socio-economic impacts of a major beyond-design-basis nuclear incident, nor of the generation of long-lived high-level
McDaid, the strategic lead of the Green Connection, another non-profit, agreed.
'In recent months, we've seen a
'We are in the middle of a climate crisis, and we should be using our abundant natural resources, such as solar and wind, which can be built quickly and deliver affordable power to homes. Nuclear is expensive, and, like other large projects, is plagued by long delays.'
Nuclear power also carries significant risks, requiring costly additional regulation, 'and there is always the possibility of an accident'.
'Even after 40 years of operation, South Africa still has no proper plan for managing toxic nuclear waste — a huge problem that is often ignored in discussions about this dangerous technology … Right now, in the absence of an inclusive, people-centred energy plan, it appears that vested interests are driving individual projects without public consensus.'
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