Thyspunt Recommended for Eskom’s New Nuclear Plant Despite Heritage Hurdles
A draft environmental scoping report has recommended Thyspunt in the Eastern Cape as the preferred site for Eskom’s proposed 5,200-megawatt nuclear power station. The report, prepared by WSP Group Africa, cites Thyspunt's existing ownership by Eskom, appropriate zoning, and proximity to transmission infrastructure as key advantages over the alternative site, Bantamsklip. While Bantamsklip was deemed viable but remote with higher infrastructure costs, Thyspunt benefits from nearby wind farm developments that have already established necessary powerlines. However, the recommendation faces a significant obstacle: Thyspunt was declared a provisional Grade I Cultural Landscape by the South African Heritage Resources Agency in January 2025. This heritage protection order, valid until February 2027, complicates the development process. The report suggests that further studies should focus exclusively on Thyspunt, while investigations into Bantamsklip should be limited to its cultural landscape status. The draft report is open for public comment until May 5, after which the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will decide whether to proceed with a full environmental impact assessment.
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Thyspunt Recommended for Eskom’s New Nuclear Plant Despite Heritage Hurdles
A draft environmental scoping report has recommended Thyspunt in the Eastern Cape as the preferred site for Eskom’s proposed 5,200-megawatt nuclear power station. The report, prepared by WSP Group Africa, cites Thyspunt's existing ownership by Eskom, appropriate zoning, and proximity to transmission infrastructure as key advantages over the alternative site, Bantamsklip. While Bantamsklip was deemed viable but remote with higher infrastructure costs, Thyspunt benefits from nearby wind farm developments that have already established necessary powerlines. However, the recommendation faces a significant obstacle: Thyspunt was declared a provisional Grade I Cultural Landscape by the South African Heritage Resources Agency in January 2025. This heritage protection order, valid until February 2027, complicates the development process. The report suggests that further studies should focus exclusively on Thyspunt, while investigations into Bantamsklip should be limited to its cultural landscape status. The draft report is open for public comment until May 5, after which the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will decide whether to proceed with a full environmental impact assessment.
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