Earthlife/SAFCEI litigation
At the second sitting of the Court, the Department of Energy confirms that a review application by Earthlife Africa and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environmental Institute, mainly aimed at reviewing certain decisions of the executive in respect of international agreements on nuclear energy and in respect of certain determinations made in terms of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006, is being opposed by the Minister of Energy and the President of the Republic of South Africa.
In line with ministerial commitments made in Parliament, the department's revised Determination was gazetted on 14 December 2016. This Determination follows the Cabinet decision of 2 November 2016 which names Eskom as the owner operator and procurer of the New Nuclear power plants in accordance with the Nuclear Energy Policy of 2008.
The department also reiterates that the South African Government has not entered into any deal or signed any contract for the procurement of nuclear power. The department confirms that Eskom has commenced the initial process for the potential procurement of the nuclear new build programme with a Request for Information from interested parties. A fair, transparent, equitable, competitive and open procurement process will be followed in line with the Constitution. Eskom has been designated the procurer, owner and operator of nuclear power plants with Necsa as an owner and operator of Front end Fuel Facilities including the Multi-purpose Reactor.
Government remains committed to ensure energy security for the country, through the roll-out of the nuclear new build programme as an integral part of the energy mix. The nuclear new build programme will enable the country to create jobs and address poverty, develop skills, create infrastructure and industries, as well as contribute to the country’s knowledge economy. It will also strengthen our ability to contribute to regional development in the African context and contribute to a reduction of our carbon foot print in accordance with our international commitments with regard to climate change.
Enquiries:
Ms Thandiwe Maimane - Spokesperson
E-mail: thandiwe.maimane@energy.gov.za / Mediadesk@energy.gov.za
