Latest news with #Authorisation
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Environmentalists to challenge Eskom's nuclear plans amid concerns over outdated studies
Picture: Dean Hutton/Bloomberg Image: Dean Hutton/Bloomberg Environmentalists and civil society advocates are gearing up for a critical meeting to address the government's contentious decision to uphold Eskom's 2017 Environmental Authorisation for a new 4 000MW nuclear power station in Duynefontein. The decision has sparked intense criticism, particularly due to reliance on outdated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, which raised alarms about the risks posed by high seismic activity and dense human populations in the area. The green light for the nuclear project comes after environmentalists, led by groups such as the Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA), filed appeals against the initial authorisation, arguing that recent developments since 2007 necessitate a reassessment. However, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on Friday upheld the decision granting Eskom environmental authorisation to build and operate the nuclear power station just south-east of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in the Western Cape. "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," George said. In reaction to this announcement, KAA spokesperson Peter Becker described teh decision as a surprise, adding that civil society will be meeting to discuss the options. Becker said as the EIA process was started in 2007, and so much has changed since then, including population density, and the cost of alternatives, thus it was not rational to ignore these changes in the environment of the proposed plant and to base such a crucial decision on thoroughly outdated studies. "It is of note that the EIA consultants found that Duynefontein (Koeberg) was not the best site for a new plant, due to seismic risks and population density in the area," Becker said. 'It appears the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has been pressured to override the consultants' view due to economic factors. It is of course far cheaper to build a new plant where there is already existing infrastructure." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Meanwhile, George argued that the government had carefully reviewed the EIA report, as well as the independent peer review conducted in respect of the project. He said the decision to dismiss the appeals and uphold the environmental authorisation did not automatically grant Eskom permission to begin with the construction or operation of the nuclear power station. He directed that Eskom still had to seek a Nuclear Installation Licence from the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), water-use licences from the Department of Water and Sanitation, and any other relevant approvals, including those from the Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources. Becker said given that this EIA process has taken 18 years to complete, it seems unlikely that Eskom will consider any other site as it would have to restart a new EIA. "Nuclear power is already the most expensive technology for producing electricity so Eskom will try to avoid any additional costs, such as a new EIA." Becker said. The Duynefontein site forms part of an ambitious government plan to double South Africa's electricity generation capacity by 2025, aiming to add 20GW of nuclear capacity to reduce reliance on coal and bolster energy security. The project, originally slated for completion with units commissioned as early as 2016, has faced numerous delays and a barrage of criticism from environmental groups. The Department of Environmental Affairs issued environmental authorisation for the 4 000MW Duynefontein nuclear power station on 13 October 2017 but the decision faced backlash from environmentalist groups like Greenpeace Africa, who openly criticised the authorisation. They raised concerns over affordability, safety, and the timing of South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan. 'Greenpeace is strongly opposed to authorising a 4 000MW nuclear power station at Duynefontein,' said Greenpeace Africa senior climate and energy campaigner, Melita Steele. BUSINESS REPORT
Metro
11-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Martin Lewis warns everyone with a mobile contract to check for 'dodgy trick'
If you're one of the 83 million Brits with a mobile phone contract, Martin Lewis claims you may be the victim of a 'dodgy trick' used by certain networks. In the latest edition of his Money Saving Expert (MSE) newsletter, the financial guru warns: 'People are often shocked by the huge savings reported into my TV show on mobiles. Yet it's often as they've fallen for the same catch, and it's one everyone needs be aware of.' According to Martin, many sign up to all-in-one deals with higher bills to pay for the new phone on top of the monthly tariff. 'Yet once the contract ends and the handset's cost is repaid, some firms – often the big ones – disgracefully don't drop the cost,' he explains. 'So you pay the same amount each month, even though the vast bulk of the cost was handset repayment.' Although he argues this 'should be banned', it unfortunately isn't. And as a result, it's vital you 'self-police' to avoid being overcharged, as well as checking on any vulnerable people you know. MSE estimates that around 14 million people are 'out of contract and being ripped off' — and could save £100s with a simple check. Your provider is required to send you an out-of-contract notification at the end of your term, but if you're not sure if you've missed this, a free Ofcom service makes it easy to find out. All you need to do is text INFO to 85075 and you'll receive an automatic response from your phone company with further details. To confirm you're free to go elsewhere, MSE says: 'You're looking to see something along the lines of 'a £0 early termination/cancellation charge'.' If so, you can then shop around for a better price, whether that's with a new network or by negotiating with your current one. Some people put off switching networks to avoid the hassle of a new number, but it's surprisingly easy to keep hold of your old one. Text PAC to 65075 to get a Porting Authorisation Code you can send to your new provider, which will transfer your existing number in just one working day. Job done. As long as you're happy with your handset, a Sim-only plan will likely cut your monthly costs — especially since 'data's dirt-cheap right now', with providers offering 35GB data, unlimited UK calls and texts, and free EU roaming for as little as £3 a month. Check comparison sites for the best available deals (MSE's 'cheap mobile finder' also helps you work out how much data you actually need) and either make the switch or use these as a haggling tool, asking your existing network to beat or match the price others are offering. More Trending The same advice applies if you want to upgrade your handset. Just make sure to sell or trade in the old one, and don't forget to consider refurbished models as they can be cheaper. And even if you're still locked into a contract, all is not lost. Make note of when it ends – perhaps set yourself a calendar reminder – and you can take action as soon as possible, ensuring you never pay more than absolutely necessary. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Sky's most affordable 4K TV yet launches – with no dish, box, and just £6 a month MORE: Buyagift has 20% off experience gifts perfect for Father's Day 2025 MORE: Why you probably shouldn't book a hotel on your laptop Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
