Public participation deadline for floating gas-to-power project

DEADLINE looms for public comments on the planned floating gas-to-power project in Richards Bay.

Although public engagements were held last month as part of Karpowership SA's bid to obtain environmental authorisation for the project, residents and affected parties still have until Tuesday, 13 December to submit comments.

The company was awarded three bids in 2020 for their floating gas-fired power plants to be stationed at three ports in the country Richards Bay, Coega, and Saldanha.

The plants are expected to produce a combined

1 220MW gas-fired generation capacity to respond to the country's current electricity crisis.

They have, however, been met with much opposition and were denied authorisation by Minister of Environmental Affairs Barbara Creecy amid concerns over inadequate public participation.

Two public meetings were held in Richards Bay last month, one at ZCBF which was attended by over 300 residents and the other hosted virtually and attended by 80 people.

Energy experts were brought in to unpack various issues, among them being air quality, marine life, underwater noise, and the socio-economic impact.

Engaging City of uMhlathuze residents, Karpowership’s David Clark said they have 36 operational powerships around the world.

“These ships are already built and we find a country or client that needs them – that means we can deploy extremely quickly. It’s there, ready and waiting to be initiated,” said Clark.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is available at both the Richards Bay and Empangeni public libraries.

Comments can be submitted via email to richardsbayksa@triplo4.com or residents can contact 073 6101973.