The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Earthlife Africa Johannesburg have launched a legal challenge to the South African government’s plans to procure new nuclear energy.
They cite procedural irregularities and advocate for sustainable alternatives.
The organizations, supported by Russian environmentalist Vladimir Slivyak, have been touring South Africa following a recent solidarity visit to Kenya. Their campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with nuclear energy and gather public support for their High Court application to halt the government’s nuclear procurement plans.
SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa previously mobilized against a controversial R1-trillion nuclear deal with Russia in 2017. They seek to review and overturn the Minister of Electricity’s determination to procure 2,500 MW of new nuclear capacity, arguing it violates constitutional and procedural fairness principles.
Francesca de Gasparis of SAFCEI expressed concerns over the fiscal burden and lengthy construction timelines associated with nuclear projects. “Pouring billions into new nuclear energy would divert funds from essential public services and exacerbate the cost of living for South Africans already grappling with soaring electricity prices,” she stated.
Earthlife Africa’s Makoma Lekalakala emphasized discrepancies in the National Energy Regulator’s (NERSA) conditional approval process, noting deficiencies in economic feasibility assessments and public consultation adequacy. “The proposed nuclear expansion contradicts the Integrated Resource Plan 2019, favouring more cost-effective and sustainable energy mixes,” Lekalakala asserted.
The groups also highlighted environmental and safety risks, pointing to unresolved issues with radioactive waste management and the potential for catastrophic accidents. They criticized the National Nuclear Regulator, the body responsible for overseeing nuclear safety in South Africa, for its recent approval of the Koeberg nuclear plant’s operational extension, citing inadequate safety assessments and public consultation.
Russian environmentalist Vladimir Slivyak cautioned against nuclear energy’s economic inefficiencies and safety risks, advocating instead for the rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies. “Solar and wind with battery storage offer safer, more economically viable alternatives that can enhance energy security and mitigate climate change,” Slivyak commented. This hopeful vision of a sustainable energy future should inspire the audience, including environmental activists and policymakers, to consider the potential benefits of renewable energy.
SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa urged the South African government to prioritize transparent decision-making processes and consider sustainable energy solutions that promote economic growth and environmental stewardship.
They underscored the pressing need to align national energy policies with global trends towards renewable energy, emphasizing job creation and long-term sustainability. This urgency should resonate with the public, policymakers, and energy industry stakeholders, compelling them to consider the long-term implications of the current energy plans.
As the legal battle unfolds, civil society remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s energy future through responsible, inclusive governance and environmentally sound practices. This reassurance should instil confidence in the audience about the ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable energy future.
