News flash
- Bloomberg reports that Karpowership SA has secured government permission to moor its gas ship-mounted power plants at three of the country’s harbours.
A so-called Section 79 notice granting the consent was issued by the Department of Transport in February, though it wasn’t initially publicly disclosed. The approval surmounted one hurdle the company needs to clear to install its gas-fired plants, after winning three-fifths of a tender (1220MW) for the supply of emergency power in 2021. Read more
Transnet National Ports Authority wants to use one of the mooring sites — a location known as A100 at the southern Port of Ngqura — for a liquid bulk terminal it’s relocating from the nearby city of Gqeberha.
Finding a new site for the ships in Ngqura would necessitate the filing of a new environmental impact assessment. That process could take as long as eight months, according to a person familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified as the parties haven’t commented publicly on the negotiations. TNPA confirmed by email that it received the Section 79 notice, but didn’t answer a question about whether that gave it permission to host Karpowership’s vessels or compelled it to.
“The port development plan aimed at accommodating additional and much-needed liquid bulk-handling facilities at the Port of Ngqura’s A100 location will continue as planned,” TNPA said. “TNPA will continue to work with port stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency in finding workable solutions.”
The Department of Transport confirmed that it had granted Karpowership access to the three ports for 20 years on Feb. 26. Karpowership declined to comment.
Source: Bloomberg with assistance by Khuleko Siwele
1 Comment
Does the minister remember the issue with the Gauteng Toll Road Gantries?
That is an expensive not so quick fix. We would do better off by investing those hundreds of Billions into our own power sources and infrastructure..
How many pockets have been lined by this mother?