(519.5096) WISE Amsterdam - In a press conference, late September, South African utility Eskom announced that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) will be shelved for the time being. Unfortunately the spokesperson for Eskom, nuclear service manager Tony Stott, added that work linked to the project would continue only at Koeberg (the site of the only two nuclear power stations in SA).
The main reason for Eskom was the acceptance of the benefit of building where there is an existing infrastructure (meaning that Koeberg region already has the government approval for a nuclear license). But Stott also had to admit that Eskom was pushed by people power in the form of the platform of town councils, ratepayers, businesses and environmental groups at the Oyster Bay area: the Kouga Anti Nuclear Group, KANG.
Fortunately, KANG has promised to stay alert. "They (Eskom) are not proceeding with the EIA process, but that's only for the time being. They could still go ahead with it in the future--that is, if there is no resistance", said Mr. Vlok, spokesperson for KANG.
National environmental groups are now preparing further campaigns in the Koeberg region. One of the problems is that it seems there will be no official consultations needed for the Koeberg region, although this remain unclear. According to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa, Esko would at least have to apply for an EIA, which, according to Eskom, will be completed by the end of next year. If this works out the construction of the new high temperature reactor type shall begin in 2001, according to Eskom spokesperson Stott. But Environmental Affairs and Tourism minister Valli Moosa said that he had not yet received a formal application from Eskom to built another nuclear reactor at Koeberg.
Meantime, the economics of the whole project is being questioned more an more. Eskom have been backing off from their original projections and timetables and now prefer to talk about what "could or should be possible in 10-15 years" (see WISE NC 512.5036: "South Africa to build new nuclear reactors").
Only a few months ago, Eskom claims it wants to built 10 reactors and according to the original timetable the first one was planned to go online in 2003.
But participation in the project is not what Eskom expected (or hoped for). Up till now only the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has committed itself, under conditions, to invest in the PBMR company when it is formed. They will take a 25% share (Eskom will have 30%) on condition that at least 10 HTRs are constructed.
Sources:
- Weekly Mail & Guardian, 1 October
- E-mail from Earthlife, October 1, 1999
- SAPA, 5 October 1999
Contact: Earthlife Africa, PO Box 11383, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.
Email: activist2@earthlife.org.za
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