Environmentalists to challenge Eskom's nuclear plans amid concerns over outdated studies

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The decision has sparked intense criticism, particularly due to reliance on outdated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, which raised alarms about the risks posed by high seismic activity and dense human populations in the area.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to ignore these changes in the environment of the proposed plant and to base such a crucial decision on thoroughly outdated studies.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." 

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.

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