South Africa: Eskom Reaffirms Commitment To Gas Strategy Despite Supreme Court Ruling Against Proposed Gas Plant

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, says it remains committed to its gas-to-power strategy despite a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that set aside the Environmental Authorisation (EA) for its proposed 3,000MW Combined Cycle Gas Power Plant (CCGPP) and associated infrastructure in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

The proposed gas plant is part of Eskom’s strategic objective to facilitate a competitive future energy industry and support the country’s energy transition.

The SCA found that the public participation process had failed to meaningfully include isiZulu-speaking communities directly affected by the project.

This omission, the court ruled, breached constitutional and statutory requirements for transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in environmental decision-making. Consequently, the court nullified the Environmental Authorisation.

In a statement, Eskom said it is studying the judgment and considering its next steps.

“The application was made because gas plays a critical role in South Africa’s energy future. It acts as a backbone for renewable energy integration due to its flexibility and fast-response capability. As more renewables come online, dispatchable generation is needed to offset their variability, ensuring energy security and sustaining the gains of the Generation Recovery Plan. At this stage, gas is the quickest and most cost-effective solution for backup and load-following,” said Eskom Group Executive for Strategy Delivery, Alfred Seema.

“With declining baseload coal, increased variable renewable energy, and more behind-the-meter solar that doesn’t generate at night, having gas available on demand is essential to maintain grid stability,” Seema added.

According to Eskom, its focus “remains to advance the gas strategy as the key enabler of energy security, economic growth, and the transition to cleaner energy.”

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com