Environmentalists challenge Eskom’s 4000MW nuclear plans

Koeberg Alert Alliance files appeals against authorisation, demands reassessment

- BANELE GININDZA

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The decision has sparked intense criticism, particularly due to reliance on outdated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, which raised alarms about the risks posed by high seismic activity and dense human populations in the area.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 southeast 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.