First Hearing: Civil Society Challenges South Africa's "Zombie" Nuclear Project

On 11 June, SAFCEI and Cullinan & Associates appeared in the Western Cape High Court for the first hearing in our legal challenge against the environmental authorisation for the proposed 4,000 MW Nuclear-1 project at Duynefontein, near Koeberg.

The court challenge by SAFCEI, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and Greenpeace Africa argues that approval for this project is based on outdated environmental assessments that are nearly two decades old and fail to reflect today’s realities, including escalating climate risks, safety concerns, radioactive waste challenges, evacuation planning complexities and the rapid growth of renewable energy alternatives.

We believe the Duynefontein proposal is a “zombie project” that continues to move forward despite dramatic changes in South Africa’s energy landscape, including the availability of safer, more affordable and sustainable renewable energy solutions.

Today’s hearing resulted in a positive outcome. The court granted our application, ordering the Minister and Chief Director to provide the required information within 10 days. Should they fail to do so, our legal team will approach the court on day 15 to seek an order compelling compliance.

The fight for energy justice, public participation and responsible decision-making continues.