The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George has upheld a 2017 decision to grant Eskom Environmental Authorisation to construct and operate a new nuclear power station in Duynefontein.

This follows lengthy appeals by environmental organisations. Minister George says he thoroughly considered all the appeals and carefully reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr), as well as the independent peer review conducted in respect of the project.

“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 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.

This week, the Minister has decided, in terms of section 43(6) of NEMA, to dismiss the appeals and confirm the decision to grant the Environmental Authorisation to Eskom.

George says this decision does not automatically permit Eskom to begin with the construction or operation of the nuclear power station.

The power utility will still be required to obtain several additional statutory authorisations before proceeding.

This includes:

• 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;
• Any other relevant approvals, including those from the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

“As per section 24(7) of NEMA, 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.”

The Minister also emphasised that the protection and preservation of South Africa’s environment is a non-negotiable and that the Department supports South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The full appeal decision is available HERE.