Nuclear plant gets green light

Environmental groups warn of soaring upfront costs, the history of construction delays and budget overruns

- Sheree Bega

Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George has upheld the 2017 decision granting Eskom environmental authorisation to construct and operate a new nuclear plant in the Western Cape.

The minister's recent decision came after he resolved, under section 43(6) of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema), to dismiss the appeals from a number of environmental organisations, and confirm the environmental authorisation to Eskom for the planned 4 000 megawatt power station in Duynefontein.

The proposed project is adjacent to the existing Koeberg facility.

George said that he had carefully reviewed the environmental impact assessment report, as well as the independent peer review conducted for the project.

"In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of [the Act] ... and with full appreciation of the environmental, social and economic considerations involved," the minister said.

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.