South Africa’s state-owned Eskom is once again considering Thyspunt as a possible site for a new nuclear reactor. The news was conveyed in a notice focused on the utility’s proposal to develop the nuclear reactor. Expected to generate up to 5,200 megawatt of nuclear power, the plant will either be at Thyspunt of Bantamsklip. Thyspunt is situated in Kouga Local Municipality between Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape. On the other hand, Bantamsklip is situated in Overstrand Local Municipality between Cape Agulhas and Hermanus in Western Cape.
Eskom also noted its intention was to establish the reactor together with associated infrastructure. Furthermore, it is expected to undertake an environmental impact assessment accordingly. The nuclear aspirations for Thyspunt were first launched 20 years ago. Multiple environmental impact assessments were submitted but finally rejected by the environmental department after a successful challenge from the Thyspunt Alliance. The group was made of scientists, business people and residents.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- Proposed 5.2 GW nuclear power plant to boost South Africa’s long-term energy capacity.
- Also reignites Eskom’s decades-old nuclear vision for Thyspunt.
- It also supports government’s Integrated Resource Plan target for new nuclear by 2039.
Location Options:
- Thyspunt (Eastern Cape): Between Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay; currently the preferred site.
- Bantamsklip (Western Cape): Between Cape Agulhas and Hermanus; previously ranked least suitable.
Key Infrastructure:
- 5,200 MW nuclear reactor and supporting facilities.
- Transmission lines and grid integration infrastructure.
- Comprehensive Environmental & Social Impact Assessment to be led by WSP Group Africa.
Current Status:
- Eskom has issued a new notice proposing development at Thyspunt or Bantamsklip.
- Environmental impact assessments also restarted after earlier EIAs were rejected following local objections.
- WSP Group Africa appointed as independent practitioners for the new assessment.
Stakeholder Views:
- Concerns: Potential strain on local infrastructure, services, and social systems during construction; economic viability questioned by WESSA.
- Support: Thyspunt Nuclear Development Foundation welcomes renewed interest and local development potential.
State of Affairs Regarding Thyspunt Nuclear Reactor in South Africa
The construction of the nuclear reactor in Thyspunt seems to be a more favorable idea rather than Bantamsklip. Wessa Eastern Cape chair Dr Gary Koekemoer said Bantamsklip had been eliminated as a possible site for a nuclear reactor early on in the assessment process initiated by Eskom. “Related to complex transmission line challenges, it was deemed at that stage to be the least preferred alternative for a nuclear site. He said the other primary objection to the utility’s latest gambit was economic. “Government says in its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan that it aims to install 5,200MW of nuclear energy by 2039. Eskom seemed focused in the ambition to develop nuclear energy as they recently approved South Africa’s second nuclear power plant in Duynefontein.
The plant is expected to generate up to 4,000 megawatts of power once complete. However, officials in Wessa are concerned on the impact the plant may have on the town. Some fear that if the plant at Thyspunt is approved, the influx of people during the construction phase would have a huge strain on the town’s infrastructure. These includes infrastructure, services, and social fabric. On the other hand, Thyspunt Nuclear Development Foundation chair Phumzile Oliphant said his organisation was pleased to see Eskom’s continued interest in the Eastern Cape site. Eskom also noted in its latest notice it has appointed WSP Group Africa as the independent practitioner. The appointed firm is expected to manage the social and environmental impact assessment of the Thyspunt/Bantamsklip proposal.
