CAPE TOWN, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has upheld the environmental approval for a new nuclear power station to be built near Cape Town.
The decision, taken "after thorough consideration and consultation," affirms the Environmental Authorization to state-owned Eskom to construct and operate a nuclear power facility in Duynefontein, Western Cape Province, Minister Dion George said in a statement issued Friday.
The authorization, originally issued in October 2017, has faced years of appeals from environmental organizations. George said he had "carefully reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment Report," along with an independent peer review, before making the decision.
"My decision was made in respect of the principles of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), and with full appreciation of the environmental, social, and economic considerations involved," he said.
The minister stressed that the approval does not automatically permit Eskom to begin construction or operation, noting the utility must still obtain all other required permits.
"As per section 24(7) of NEMA, the granting of an Environmental Authorization does not exempt an applicant from complying with any other applicable legal requirements or obtaining permits from other competent authorities," George said, stressing that protecting South Africa's environment is non-negotiable.
The department also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting South Africa's transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, with inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction as central goals, he said. ■
