The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has completed the initial review of State-owned Eskom’s nuclear installation site licence (NISL) applications for the Eastern Cape-based Thyspunt site, and the Western Cape-based Duynefontein site.
The regulator indicated that the applications, submitted in March by Eskom, to build, construct and operate multiple nuclear power reactors, will now advance for further processing.
“The NNR completed its initial review of the NISL applications received and has found both applications to be compliant with relevant national policies, as well as the NNR Act and associated regulations, and has accepted the applications for further processing,” said NNR special nuclear projects coordinator Peter Bester in a statement on Thursday.
In the first phase of the public consultation process, the NNR gave notice for Eskom to serve copies of the NISL applications to the relevant stakeholders, local authorities and municipalities, in addition to publishing the application in the public domain.
Initial representations may be made to the NNR on health, safety and environmental issues within 30 days from the date of receipt of the notice.