Utility cites jobs and baseload power for revived nuclear proposal, but activists say squid grounds and Seal Point surf remain at risk.
Utility cites jobs and baseload power for revived nuclear proposal, but activists say squid grounds and Seal Point surf remain at risk. Popular tourist destination St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape is just 10km away from the proposed Eskom nuclear plant.
Picture: Jim FreemanEskom has defended its nuclear-powered electricity generation plans in the Eastern Cape’s Thyspunt, one of South Africa’s most sensitive coastal landscapes, or Bantamsklip in the Western Cape, insisting nuclear energy remains a key part of the country’s future energy mix. The proposal, which has sparked fierce resistance from environmentalists for over a decade, has re-emerged following the publication of the draft Integrated Resource Plan 2025.project is not a new initiativeThe power utility said it purchased the Thyspunt and Bantamsklip sites specifically for potential nuclear development and that the plans align with government’s latest energy blueprint.
While critics have questioned the affordability of another nuclear build programme, Eskom said it is too early to place a price tag on the project.
“No final project scope, technology selection or procurement decision has yet been made,” said Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena. She said a range of internationally proven reactor technologies – including potentially modular deployment approaches designed to improve affordability and reduce construction risks – were being explored. The utility also stressed that no technology suppliers or financing partners have been selected at this stage.
, a coalition of residents and environmental activists that successfully challenged earlier nuclear proposals, remain one of the biggest obstacles facing the project. The alliance has warned that a nuclear power station at Thyspunt could threaten sensitive marine ecosystems, squid spawning grounds, wetlands and the world-renowned Seal Point surf break. Mokwena said independent specialist studies are being conducted as part of the environmental impact assessment process.
These studies assess potential impacts on biodiversity, coastal processes, marine ecosystems and socio-economic activities before any final decisions are made. Eskom also rejected criticism that communities were given insufficient time to participate in the current environmental process, saying public consultation is being conducted in accordance with legislative requirements governing EIAs. Beyond energy security, Eskom argued that a nuclear power station could deliver substantial economic benefits to the Eastern Cape through employment, supplier development, skills transfer and infrastructure investment.
Nuclear power, Eskom maintained, is essential if SA was to move away from coal while maintaining a stable electricity supply.
“Nuclear technology doesn’t only provide clean and baseload energy, it also provides the flexibility required to support non-dispatchable renewable energy sources,” Mokwena said. For Eskom, that makes nuclear a necessary part of the country’s energy future. For environmentalists, however, the battle over Thyspunt is far from over.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eskom Tenders for Specialist Investigators to Fast-Track Forensic CasesEskom has issued a tender for specialist investigators to fast-track consequence management and reinforce governance integrity, amid high-profile scandals and a backlog of forensic cases.
Read more »
Thyspunt nuclear plan ignites new fight over coast and powerEskom revives 5 200MW Nuclear 2 plans at Thyspunt as activists warn of threats to squid grounds and coastal communities.
Read more »
Treasury Warns of Rising Municipal Debt to Eskom as Systemic RiskThe National Treasury has issued a warning about the growing municipal debt owed to Eskom, currently standing at R114 billion, describing it as one of the most serious obstacles facing government. Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen highlighted the systemic risks to the country's finances and the moral hazards of bailouts during a briefing to a joint committee meeting on the debt relief programme and Distribution Agency Agreements.
Read more »
Eskom, Cogta, Salga and Ramokgopa on solving R467bn municipal electricity debt crisisMunicipalities owe Eskom R110 billion, while electricity consumers across the country owe municipalities a combined R467 billion.
Read more »