- New public participation sessions to take place across Overstrand and Eastern Cape
- Communities raise concerns over cost, environmental risk and long-term waste management.
- Input from Koeberg Alert Alliance adds technical scrutiny to nuclear debate
- Strong turnout signals growing demand for transparency and accountability.
A new round of public meetings on the proposed Bantamsklip and Thyspunt nuclear power projects is underway, offering affected communities an opportunity to engage directly with stakeholders on developments that could reshape the regional energy landscape.
The programme begins in the Overstrand in early April before moving to the Eastern Cape later in the month. The sessions form part of the public participation process linked to the Draft Scoping Report, the first phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment process that defines the scope of studies to be undertaken.
Engagement at this stage is considered critical according to the Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA), as issues not included in the Draft Scoping Report cannot be challenged later in the process. This places significant emphasis on early community input to ensure all material concerns are formally assessed.
Bantamsklip is located on the southwestern coast of the Overberg, on the Groot Hagelkraal farm, which is registered as a Private Nature Reserve and designated as a South African Nature Foundation National Heritage Site. The area is home to 22 Red Data List species, six of which occur exclusively on the farm. In addition, the Bantamsklip coastline is believed to have the highest level of marine endemism in Southern Africa. The site is also adjacent to the Dyer Island Nature Reserve and the Dyer Island Marine Sanctuary. Image credit: mapcarta.com
The KAA reports that the latest meetings follow strong attendance at earlier engagements held in February in Hermanus and Pearly Beach, where about 280 residents participated. The sessions, hosted by the Overstrand Environmental Association, brought together community members, environmental groups and local businesses.
The National Nuclear Regulator was the only institution supporting nuclear development that participated as a presenter. The National Nuclear Regulator was the only institution supporting nuclear development that participated as a presenter, focusing on nuclear safety considerations. Additional technical input was provided by an expert from the KAA. The presentation drew on modelling, regulatory frameworks and international case studies to outline the potential implications of a nuclear build in the region.
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The KAA says that cost remains a primary concern among stakeholders. Multiple South African energy studies, including national planning frameworks and academic research, indicate that nuclear power is not part of the country’s least cost energy mix. Globally, nuclear projects have demonstrated a consistent pattern of budget overruns and construction delays, often requiring long term state guarantees that increase fiscal pressure.
“Local economic risks are also under scrutiny. The Overstrand economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture and fisheries, sectors that are sensitive to environmental perceptions and potential ecological impacts. Stakeholders have raised concerns about how a nuclear installation could affect these industries over time,” says the KAA.
The KKA adds that management of nuclear waste continues to be a critical unresolved issue. “There is currently no long-term solution for high level nuclear waste anywhere in Africa, raising questions about intergenerational responsibility and environmental safety,” said the KAA.
Community members have also highlighted risks to marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, particularly in areas dependent on fishing. Concerns include restricted access to fishing zones and broader impacts on marine biodiversity.
In addition, the potential consequences of a major nuclear incident remain a key point of debate. These include possible long term land exclusion, economic disruption and reputational damage to the region.
Image credit: Koeberg Alert Alliance
As the consultation process continues, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency, robust evidence and inclusive decision making. Strong public participation to date indicates that communities expect to play an active role in shaping outcomes on projects of this scale and complexity.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Green Building Africa – Net Carbon Zero Buildings and Cities
www.greenbuildingafrica.co.za
