The Necsa Group has welcomed the upholding of a decision by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Dr Dion George, granting Eskom environmental authorisation to build a 4 000 MW nuclear power station on the Duynefontein site in the Western Cape; this following an appeal against the original decision in 2017. Eskom’s Koeberg nuclear power station is in the same locality.
Loyiso Tyabashe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Necsa says, “This approval marks an important milestone for the nuclear industry and South Africa’s journey towards implementing a balanced energy mix that enables socio-economic development and is climate friendly. The minister’s decision confirms the rigour of the process that was followed to choose an appropriate site for new nuclear build and reflects confidence in nuclear technology as a safe, clean, and reliable energy solution. Necsa continues to work with the Department of Electricity and Energy as well as Eskom as a partner and commits to contribute its technical expertise to maximise the benefits of nuclear energy.”
Nuclear power remains an important component of South Africa’s baseload energy mix, and part of government’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Necsa supports initiatives that reinforce the use of nuclear technology and its applications for power and beyond power for peaceful purposes and development. A new nuclear power plant is required to strengthen South Africa’s energy security and will be built to the highest standards of safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance as have been demonstrated by Eskom at the Koeberg nuclear power plant.
For more information visit: www.necsa.co.za