Eskom says it remains committed to gas-to-power despite uMhlathuze enviro authorisation setback
State-owned power utility Eskom says its focus remains on advancing its gas strategy as an enabler of energy security, economic growth and the transition to cleaner energy after the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) set aside the environmental authorisation granted for the proposed 3 000 MW combined-cycle gas power plant and associated infrastructure in the uMhlathuze local municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
The proposed gas plant forms part of Eskom’s strategic objective of facilitating a competitive future energy industry and contributing to the country’s energy transition.
“Gas plays a critical role in South Africa’s energy future. It acts as a backbone for renewable energy integration owing to its flexibility and fast-response capability.
“As more renewables come online, dispatchable generation is needed to offset their variability, ensure energy security and sustain the gains of the generation recovery plan. Gas is the quickest and most cost-effective solution for backup and load-following,” says Eskom Group executive for strategy delivery Alfred Seema.
“With declining baseload coal, increased variable renewable energy and more behind-the-meter solar power, having gas available on demand is essential to maintain grid stability,” he says.
The SCA ruled, inter-alia, that the public participation process failed to meaningfully include isiZulu-speaking communities directly affected by the project. This failure, the court ruled, breached constitutional and statutory requirements for transparency, inclusiveness and fairness in environmental decision-making.
As a result, the SCA nullified the environmental authorisation.
Eskom is studying the judgment and considering its next steps, and says it remains committed to strengthening South Africa’s energy future in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and transparent.
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