Johannesburg – Earthlife Africa on Wednesday won a
victory in the Western Cape High Court.
The Western Cape High Court essentially found SA’s
nuclear cooperation deals with various countries, including Russia, are
unlawful.
It says SA’s bid to add another 9.6MW of power –
equivalent to ten nuclear stations – was not constitutional.
It also notes that Parliament has to approve any nuclear
deal, and the Department of Energy has to determine SA’s nuclear needs.
The ruling nullifies cooperation agreements SA has with the US, Russia and South Korea.
Under those agreements, potential nuclear vendors in
those countries – such as Westinghouse in the US and Russian state-owned
Rosatom – would assist to develop SA’s nuclear ambitions.
Rosatom is seen as a strong contender to secure a
contract to build new nuclear reactors in South Africa.
Read also: SA's #nuclear ambitions scuppered | IOL
The contested nuclear build programme, which will be
driven by Eskom, aims to add 9 600 megawatts of nuclear power to the national
energy grid, though critics say the country does not need and cannot afford
more nuclear reactors.
Eskom is expected to issue a request for binding
proposals from potential vendors by the end of June.
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