Cape Town – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr. Dion George has given the green light for the construction of a new nuclear power station in Duynefontein, Western Cape.
Minister George said he upheld the 2017 decision to grant Eskom Environmental Authorisation to construct and operate the new nuclear power station.
The go-ahead came after appeals made by various environmental organisations to stop the project were unsuccessful.
“In considering these appeals, I have carefully reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr), as well as the independent peer review conducted in respect of the project,” said Minister George in a statement on Friday, 8 August 2025.
“In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), and with full appreciation of the environmental, social and economic considerations involved.”
The original decision to grant the Environmental Authorisation was made in October 2017.
However, various appellants challenged the decision, submitting appeals that ranged from comprehensive and detailed submissions to shorter, individual objections.
The statement said the minister decided, in terms of section 43(6) of NEMA, to dismiss the appeals and confirm the decision to grant the Environmental Authorisation to Eskom.
“The minister’s decision to uphold the Environmental Authorisation does not automatically grant Eskom permission to begin with the construction or operation of the nuclear power station,” the statement said.
The entity is still required to obtain several additional statutory authorisations before proceeding in accordance with section 24(7) of NEMA.
The authorisations include:
• A Nuclear Installation Licence from the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR);
• Approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA);
• Water use licences from the Department of Water and Sanitation;
• Any other relevant approvals, including those from the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
“As per section 24(7) of NEMA, the granting of an Environmental Authorisation does not exempt an applicant from complying with any other applicable legal requirements or obtaining permits from other competent authorities,” explained Minister George.
The minister emphasised that the protection and preservation of South Africa’s environment was non-negotiable.
“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment supports South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future where inclusive growth, job creation and poverty reduction are central,” the statement said.
The full appeal decision is available on the DFFE Appeals page and is accessible here: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/appeals/29july2025eskomappeal_duynefonteinnu clearpowerstation.pdf
