Big win for powerships

DESPITE major opposition from environmentalists, plans to install floating gas-to-power ships at the Port of Richards Bay are soon to become a reality.

This comes after Karpowership SA was granted environmental authorisation by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) - a green light for the project’s implementation.

“Our next focus is on meeting financial close, which will require us to finalise our agreements with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA),” said a Karpowership SA spokesperson.

The company was awarded three bids in 2021 to moor powerships in Coega, Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay, to supply power to the national electricity grid - a response to South Africa’s current energy crisis.

The company said it aims to invest R600-million into Richards Bay for skills transfer, education and infrastructure through this project.

“The decision not only vindicates Karpowership SA’s thorough

EIA methodology and process that included comprehensive and inclusive public participation processes in Richards Bay, but also demonstrates the department’s willingness to objectively evaluate the information at hand.

“This decision is further justification that our powerships exceed both international and

South African environmental standards, and we are pleased that this has been recognised,” said the spokesperson.

The project has been marred by criticism from various groups who have continuously raised concerns about the negative impact the floating power plants would have on the environment, including marine life.

South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) said it would 'lock the country into this oil and gas project for the next 10-20 years'.

“According to experts, this emergency energy will reduce load-shedding by only two stages, not mitigate it completely. We need to invest in sustainable, renewable energy sources like solar and wind, instead of being rushed into decisions around non-renewable energy," said SDCEA during a protest earlier this year.