Eskom partially approved to build new nuclear power station on outskirts of Cape Town
In 2017, the department gave the green light for another nuclear facility - but the decision was appealed by a number of environmental organisations.
FILE: Eskom's Megawatt Park in Johannesburg. Picture: Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - After a nearly eight-year-long battle, Environment Minister Dion George has given Eskom the environmental go-ahead to build a new nuclear power station in Duynefontein on the outskirts of Cape Town.
But this is only one step in a series that will have to be followed for full approval.
In 2017, the department gave the green light for another nuclear facility - but the decision was appealed by a number of environmental organisations.
Expanding the country’s nuclear capability has been a contentious issue for environmental lobby groups, with 2017 having been a pivotal year for civil society, when the Western Cape High Court ruled three international nuclear agreements as unconstitutional.
George said he’s carefully reviewed Eskom’s environmental impact assessment report for another nuclear facility - as well as the independent peer review.
The Duynefontein site is where Eskom operates the country’s only nuclear facility, Koeberg.
George said his final decision on the appeal was made in respect of the National Environmental Management Act with full appreciation of the environmental, social economic considerations involved.
"This does not mean that the process is at an end. There are still a number of processes that need to take place now. What this does mean is that they have environmental clearance to proceed with the project."
At a G20 meeting in May, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said his department plans to reset the country’s nuclear programme to achieve a net zero target by 2050.