Minister confirms environmental authorisation for South African new build

The authorisation for Eskom's Final Environmental Impact Report for a new nuclear power plant at Duynefontein was originally granted by South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs, but had been the subject of challenges from various environmental organisations. Those appeals have now been dismissed.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George announced his decision to uphold the 2017 decision on 8 August.

"In considering these appeals, I have carefully reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr), as well as the independent peer review conducted in respect of the project," George said.

"In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), and with full appreciation of the environmental, social and economic considerations involved."

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.

Eskom would still be required to obtain additional statutory authorisations before proceeding with the project, including a nuclear installation licence from the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR); approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa; water use licences from the Department of Water and Sanitation; and other approvals.

Duynefontain is next to Eskom's existing Koeberg nuclear power plant. In March 2016, the state-owned utility submitted site licence applications to the NNR for Duynefontein and another site, Thyspunt, to construct and operate "multiple nuclear installations (power reactors) and associated auxiliary nuclear installations." The Department of Environmental Affairs in 2017 authorised 4000 MWe nuclear capacity to be built at either site.

Loyiso Tyabashe, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa Ltd (Necsa), today welcomed the ministerial decision.

"This approval marks an important milestone for the nuclear industry and South Africa’s journey towards implementing a balanced energy mix that enables socio-economic development and is climate friendly. The Minister’s decision shows rigour of the process that was followed to choose appropriate site for nuclear new build and reflects confidence in nuclear technology as a safe, clean, and reliable energy solution. Necsa continues to work with the Department of Electricity and Energy as well as Eskom as a partner and commits to contribute its technical expertise to maximise the benefits of nuclear energy, " he said.

In January 2024 the South African government published plans to procure 2.5 GWe of new nuclear capacity. However in August 2024 the government paused the procurement process to allow for further public consultation.