{"query_echo":{"q":"","filters":{"climate_tags":["environmental authorisation"]},"warnings":[]},"total":{"value":26,"relation":"eq"},"page":1,"page_size":20,"self":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?climate_tags=environmental+authorisation","next":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?climate_tags=environmental+authorisation&page=2","stability":"beta","ai_marking":{"digital_source_type":{"uri":"http://cv.iptc.org/newscodes/digitalsourcetype/trainedAlgorithmicMedia","name":"Created using Generative AI"},"notice":"Summary and key insights are generated using artificial intelligence."},"results":[{"id":"natjust-000067","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/natjust-000067","title":"Block 5 6 7 off Western Cape coast between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas","publisher":{"name":"Natural Justice","organization":"natural-justice"},"document_type":"fact sheet","language":"en","date_published":"2025-05-02","source_url":"https://naturaljustice.org/publication/factsheet-block-5-6-7-off-western-cape-coast-between-cape-town-and-cape-agulhas/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A factsheet detailing a judicial review application filed by The Green Connection and Natural Justice to challenge the environmental authorisation granted to Total Energies EP South Africa (TEEPSA) Block 567 (Pty) Ltd for oil and gas exploration drilling off the Western Cape coast.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000067#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"In March 2024, The Green Connection and Natural Justice applied for a judicial review in the Western Cape High Court to contest the environmental authorisation given to Total Energies EP South Africa (TEEPSA) Block 567 (Pty) Ltd (Total) for oil and gas exploration drilling between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000067#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The environmental authorisation being challenged was issued by the Director-General: Mineral Resources and Energy in April 2023 and subsequently upheld by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, who dismissed 18 appeals regarding the decision.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000067#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["oil and gas exploration","environmental authorisation","judicial review","western cape"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["Legal challenge summary"]},{"id":"cer-001217","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-001217","title":"RULE 16A NOTICE","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2022-05-18","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NOTICE-IN-TERMS-OF-RULE-16A.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"This Rule 16A Notice, filed by the Centre for Environmental Rights on behalf of GroundWork Trust and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, raises a constitutional issue regarding the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's decision to refuse an appeal on 20 November 2021 concerning an Environmental Authorisation granted to Phinda Power Producers (Pty) Limited.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001217#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The applicants are challenging the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's decision from 20 November 2021 to refuse an appeal regarding an Environmental Authorisation granted to Phinda Power Producers (Pty) Limited.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001217#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The legal challenge argues that the Minister's decision may violate the section 24(a) right to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, specifically when considering the climate crisis, the availability of renewable energy, and the impacts of gas power.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001217#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The notice outlines the procedure for interested parties to be admitted as amicus curiae, requiring written consent from all parties within 20 days of the notice or an application to the Court if consent is not obtained.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001217#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["climate crisis","renewable energy","gas power","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":["Pretoria","Cape Town","KwaZulu-Natal"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal notice"]},{"id":"cer-001218","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-001218","title":"NOTICE IN TERMS OF RULE 41A","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2022-05-18","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NOTICE-IN-TERMS-OF-RULE-41A.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A legal notice filed by the Centre for Environmental Rights on behalf of GroundWork Trust and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance opposing the referral of a case to mediation regarding an environmental authorisation for a 320MW gas power plant.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001218#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The applicants, consisting of the Trustees for the Time Being of GroundWork Trust and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, oppose referring the matter to mediation because the issues involve \"questions of wider public importance\" that are unsuitable for private resolution.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001218#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The legal action seeks to overturn a decision by the Chief Director: Integrated Environmental Authorisations of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to grant an environmental authorisation to Phinda Power Producers (Pty) Ltd for a proposed 320MW Emergency Risk Mitigation Gas Power Plant, noting that all internal remedies have been exhausted.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001218#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["energy transition","gas power plant","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":["Pretoria"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal notice"]},{"id":"cer-000224","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000224","title":"RICHARDS BAY GAS POWER 2 (PTY) LTD – ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION AMENDMENT","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2022-02-18","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20220218-Letter-to-the-DFFE.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights, acting for groundWork, has requested an extension of the time period to institute judicial review proceedings against the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's decision to grant an Environmental Authorisation Amendment for Richards Bay Gas Power (Pty) Ltd.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000224#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights, representing the non-profit environmental justice organisation groundWork, is seeking an extension under section 9(1) of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 (PAJA) to file for judicial review of a decision made by Minister Barbara Creecy.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000224#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The request for extension is based on the delayed receipt of the Air and Climate Change Report (ACCR), which was furnished to the client on 09 February 2022. This report was used by the Minister to conclude that climate change impacts of the amendments were adequately considered, despite the report not being part of the record available to interested and affected parties or the decision-maker initially.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000224#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"groundWork contends that the decision to grant the amendment was unreasonable because the Minister relied on irrelevant considerations and ignored critical comments that would have been available if the ACCR had been included in the public participation process.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000224#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appellant proposes to bring the review application within 60 days of the letter dated 18 February 2022, noting that if the extension is refused, they will seek it or condonation from the Court.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000224#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","energy transition","environmental authorisation","judicial review"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal request","administrative appeal"]},{"id":"cer-000691","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000691","title":"OBJECTIONS TO GENERATION LICENCE APPLICATIONS FOR THABAMETSI AND KHANYISA IPP COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2020-02-17","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CER-letter-to-NERSA-17-Feb-2020.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) wrote to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on 17 February 2020, requesting updates on generation licence applications for the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired Independent Power Producer (IPP) power stations. The CER highlights significant delays since the March 2018 hearings and argues that the applications are now based on outdated information due to legal challenges, lapsed authorisations, and the withdrawal of bank financing.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000691#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is seeking responses to several outstanding questions regarding the 27 March 2018 hearings for the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal IPPs, including whether hearings will be held in Lephalale and eMalahleni, which NERSA members attended, whether proceedings were recorded, and the next steps for the applications.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000691#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Several critical developments have occurred since the 2018 hearings that affect the viability of the coal IPPs, including the fact that neither project has reached commercial or financial close.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000691#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) confirmed that the environmental authorisation for the Khanyisa project lapsed on 31 October 2018, meaning a new authorisation would be required to proceed.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000691#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Thabametsi project faces legal challenges to its environmental authorisation in the Pretoria High Court and an appeal regarding its air emission licence, and it is believed to lack a water use licence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000691#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER argues that because two years have passed since the initial applications and hearings, and given the new developments, NERSA should require the applications to be updated and resubmitted for stakeholder objection and further public hearings to ensure procedural fairness.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000691#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power","energy transition","environmental authorisation","ipp"],"geography_discussed":["Lephalale","Witbank"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal objection","regulatory inquiry"]},{"id":"cer-000651","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000651","title":"UPDATE ON THE PREFERRED BIDDERS UNDER THE FIRST BID WINDOW OF THE COAL BASELOAD IPP PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME AND THE PROPOSED THABAMETSI & KHANYISA COAL-FIRED POWER STATION","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2019-04-17","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CER-letter-to-IPP-office-17.04.19.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights to the IPP Office of the Department of Energy requesting updates on the commercial and financial close deadlines for the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power station projects, while asserting that neither project is currently capable of reaching such close due to outstanding licenses and pending litigation.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000651#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is seeking confirmation on whether the bid validity extensions for the Thabametsi and Khanyisa projects—previously set for 2 May 2019 and 3 May 2019, respectively—remain the current deadlines for commercial and financial close.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000651#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER asserts that the coal IPPs cannot reach commercial and financial close because several required authorizations and licenses are outstanding or being challenged through internal appeals and High Court review proceedings.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000651#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Khanyisa project faces specific legal and regulatory hurdles, including an Environmental Authorisation (EA) under judicial review at the Pretoria High Court, a Water Use Licence (WUL) under appeal before the Water Tribunal, a Provisional Atmospheric Emission Licence (PAEL) under appeal before the Nkangala District Municipality’s appeal authority, and an undecided electricity generation licence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000651#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Thabametsi project is similarly stalled, with its Environmental Authorisation (EA) undergoing judicial review at the Pretoria High Court, while its electricity generation licence, Water Use Licence (WUL), and Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) applications remain undecided.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000651#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER notes that according to the Request for Proposals, proof that appeals or reviews against environmental consents have been resolved must be provided at least one month before the financial and commercial close deadline, or the preferred bidder appointment may be terminated.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000651#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal","energy transition","ipp","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":["Pretoria","Nkangala District Municipality"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal challenge","regulatory monitoring"]},{"id":"cer-000652","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000652","title":"DECISION IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED THABAMETSI IPP COAL-FIRED POWER STATION ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2018-02-19","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CER-Letter-to-IPP-Office-19-2-18.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing Earthlife Africa and groundWork, notified the IPP Office of its intention to review and set aside the Minister of Environmental Affairs' January 30, 2018, decision to uphold the environmental authorisation for the Thabametsi coal-fired power station.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000652#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), acting for Earthlife Africa (ELA) and groundWork (gW), is initiating an application to review and set aside the decision made by the Minister of Environmental Affairs on 30 January 2018, which upheld the environmental authorisation for the Thabametsi coal-fired power station. This challenge is based on the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (PAJA), asserting that the decision is \"unlawful and unreasonable\".","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000652#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Thabametsi and the Khanyisa coal-fired power station were named preferred bidders in October 2016 under the Coal Baseload Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (CBIPPPP). While the initial deadline for commercial and financial close was April 2017, it was postponed throughout 2017. On 4 October 2017, the IPP Office indicated that extensions for Commercial Close and Financial Close were likely because the Minister of Energy had put all future programmes on hold on 1 September 2017, pending the finalization of the Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity and the Integrated Energy Plan.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000652#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"To reach commercial and financial close under the CBIPPPP Request for Proposals, preferred bidders must resolve all legal disputes regarding environmental authorisations and obtain a water use licence (WUL), an atmospheric emission licence (AEL), and a licence to generate electricity from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Thabametsi currently lacks a WUL and a NERSA licence, with those applications still in progress, and has not yet re-applied for an AEL.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000652#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Khanyisa coal-fired power station, another preferred bidder, is subject to a pending High Court review of its environmental authorisation. Khanyisa has not received a NERSA generation licence or a WUL, and an appeal is pending regarding the transfer of its provisional AEL.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000652#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","energy transition","environmental authorisation","ipp"],"geography_discussed":["Mpumalanga"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal notification","regulatory inquiry"]},{"id":"cer-000690","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000690","title":"PUBLIC HEARINGS IN RESPECT OF THE GENERATION LICENCE APPLICATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED KHANYISA AND THABAMETSI INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2018-02-16","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CER-Letter-to-NERSA-16-2-18.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), acting for Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and groundWork, submitted a letter to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on 16 February 2018 requesting the postponement of public hearings for the proposed Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power stations. The CER argues that pending litigation over environmental authorisations, missing water and atmospheric emission licences, and the lack of a promulgated new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) prevent NERSA from making a legally consistent and public-interest-based decision.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000690#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is challenging the environmental authorisation for the Thabametsi coal-fired power station following a decision by the Minister on 30 January 2018 to uphold it. Additionally, Thabametsi lacks a valid water use licence (WUL)—with a new application and integrated waste and water management plan (IWWMP) open for comment until 6 March 2018—and has reportedly not yet applied for an atmospheric emission licence (AEL).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000690#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Khanyisa power station faces several regulatory and legal hurdles, including a pending application to review and set aside its environmental authorisation (case number 61561/17). It has not obtained an integrated WUL, and the validity of its provisional AEL is disputed, with the transfer of the AEL subject to an appeal under the Municipal Systems Act, 2000.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000690#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER asserts that NERSA's ability to ensure decisions are in the public interest and consistent with the Constitution and the National Energy Regulator Act 40 of 2004 (NERA) is limited by the ongoing litigation and outstanding licences. Furthermore, the CER notes that the 2010 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is \"woefully outdated\" and a revised IRP has not yet been promulgated, which is critical since applicants must provide evidence of compliance with the applicable IRP under section 10(2)(g) of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000690#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER formally requested that NERSA postpone the public hearings scheduled for 27 March 2018 until three conditions are met: the promulgation of a revised IRP, the final determination of court challenges against both power stations, and the issuance of all outstanding licences.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000690#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power stations","environmental authorisation","integrated resource plan","climate impacts"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal challenge","regulatory submission"]},{"id":"cer-000053","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000053","title":"The proposed KiPower IPP","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"case study","language":"en","date_published":"2017-07-20","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/programmes/pollution-climate-change/litigation/challenges-of-decisions-in-relation-to-coal-fired-independent-power-producers-ipps/the-proposed-kipower-ipp","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"This case study details legal challenges brought by groundWork and the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) against the environmental and water authorizations granted for the proposed KiPower coal-fired power station in South Africa.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000053#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"groundWork initiated a court application to review and set aside the Department of Environmental Affairs' (DEA) decision to grant environmental authorization to Kuyasa Mining (Pty) Ltd for the KiPower Coal-fired Power Station, as well as the Minister of Environmental Affairs' decision to dismiss an appeal against that authorization.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000053#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"As part of the legal challenge, groundWork requested that the DEA reconsider the application with a specific focus on the climate change impact, including comments on a climate change impact assessment from interested and affected parties.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000053#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"In a letter dated 1 November 2017, Kuyasa's attorneys informed the CER that the company intended to amend its environmental authorization and perform a climate change impact assessment for the proposed coal-fired power station.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000053#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights, representing groundWork, appealed a water use licence (WUL) issued in February 2017 by the Department of Water and Sanitation for the KiPower station near Delmas, Mpumalanga. The appeal, lodged on 7 September 2017, argues that the WUL violates the Constitution, the National Water Act (NWA), and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), citing concerns over water pollution, the failure of the DWS as a public trustee, and the lack of a risk-averse approach.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000053#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power","climate change impact assessment","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study"]},{"id":"cer-000092","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000092","title":"ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 600 MW COAL-FIRED INDEPENDENT POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR KIPOWER (PTY) LIMITED SOUTH AFRICA / CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2017-05-03","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/170503-KiPower-letter-to-CER.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A letter from MacRobert Attorneys to the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) regarding the environmental authorisation for a 600 MW coal-fired independent power plant for KiPower (Pty) Limited in South Africa. The letter confirms the developer's intent to conduct a Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA) following a specific court judgement.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000092#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Following the judgement in Earthlife Africa Johannesburg v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Others, the clients of MacRobert Attorneys will conduct a Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA) for the proposed 600 MW coal-fired power plant.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000092#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The parties agree that the appropriate legal course of action is to approach the High Court to set aside the Minister's decision on the appeal due to the lack of a CCIA, and to have the matter sent back to the Minister once the CCIA is finished.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000092#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"MacRobert Attorneys proposes that the Minister should be the applicant in the High Court application, citing the regulatory policy importance of how CCIAs are applied within Environmental Impact Assessments.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000092#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["climate change impact assessment","coal-fired power plant","environmental impact assessment","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["Legal correspondence"]},{"id":"cer-000601","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000601","title":"APPELLANT’S SUBMISSIONS TO THE MINISTER IN TERMS OF REG 60(4) OF THE 2010 EIA REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF ACWA POWER KHANYISA THERMAL POWER STATION RF (PTY) LIMITED","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2017-04-18","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/CER-Condonation-Submission-Cover-Letter-18-4-17.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"This document is a cover letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) to the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs, submitting further arguments on behalf of groundWork to appeal the environmental authorisation for the ACWA Power Khanyisa Thermal Power Station.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000601#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The submissions were made on 18 April 2017, following a notice of intention to appeal submitted on 29 March 2017 and a subsequent invitation from the Director: Appeals and Legal Review on 30 March 2017 to provide further submissions under Regulation 60(4) of the 2010 EIA Regulations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000601#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power","environmental authorisation","energy transition"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal submission"]},{"id":"cer-001005","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-001005","title":"APPEAL TO THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2017-04-18","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gW-Submission-on-Condonation-for-NOITA_18-4-2017.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"This document is a legal submission by groundWork, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, appealing to the Minister of Environmental Affairs to extend the deadline for filing an appeal against the environmental authorisation of the ACWA Power Khanyisa Thermal Power Station. The appellant argues that the authorisation is unlawful because it lacked a comprehensive climate change impact assessment, a requirement recently affirmed by the High Court in the Thabametsi judgment.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"groundWork is seeking an extension of the 20-day time limit to appeal the integrated environmental authorisation granted to ACWA Power Khanyisa Thermal Power Station (RF) (Pty) Limited on 31 October 2013, which was subsequently amended four times between July 2015 and April 2017.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appeal is based on the 8 March 2017 'Thabametsi judgment' (Earthlife Africa Johannesburg v Minister of Environmental Affairs & Others), which established that a comprehensive climate change impact assessment must be conducted before granting environmental authorisation for new coal-fired power stations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"groundWork contends that Khanyisa's environmental authorisation is unlawful because its impact assessments were deficient: it lacked a full life-cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions (including construction and decommissioning), failed to assess climate change resilience, and did not provide adequate mitigation strategies.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The submission identifies several changed circumstances since the 2013 authorisation that warrant reconsideration, including the worsening air quality in the Highveld Air Quality Priority Area (HPA) and South Africa's 2016 ratification of the Paris Agreement.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The document highlights a water quality crisis in the Upper Olifants River sub-catchment, where the power station and its ash disposal site would be located, noting that the river is 'in danger of collapse' due to pollution and governance failures.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"groundWork argues that granting the extension is justified ('good cause') because the power station has not yet commenced construction, has not reached 'financial and commercial close', and is still awaiting several licences, including an integrated water use licence (IWUL) and a NERSA electricity generation licence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001005#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","climate change impact assessment","greenhouse gas emissions","paris agreement","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":["Highveld Air Quality Priority Area","Olifants River (Limpopo)"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal appeal","environmental impact review"]},{"id":"cer-000090","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000090","title":"ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 600 MW COAL-FIRED INDEPENDENT POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR KIPOWER (PTY) LIMITED SOUTH AFRICA","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2017-04-11","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/170411-KiPower-letter-to-CER.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A letter from MacRobert Attorneys, acting for KiPower (Pty) Ltd and Kuyasa Mining (Pty) Ltd, responding to the Centre for Environmental Rights regarding the environmental authorisation for a proposed 600 MW coal-fired independent power plant in South Africa.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000090#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"KiPower (Pty) Ltd intends to conduct a climate change impact assessment for the proposed 600 MW coal-fired power plant, citing the legal precedent established in the case of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Others.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000090#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has contacted KiPower (Pty) Ltd and Kuyasa Mining (Pty) Ltd to discuss various alternatives for addressing the regulatory matters associated with the project.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000090#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"MacRobert Attorneys requested an extension until 2 May to respond to the Centre for Environmental Rights, allowing the DEA to complete internal deliberations and the clients to determine a collaborative approach to the regulatory issues.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000090#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power plant","climate change impact assessment","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal correspondence"]},{"id":"cer-000656","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000656","title":"UPDATE ON THE THABAMETSI POWER COMPANY (PTY) LIMITED AND ACWA POWER KHANYISA THERMAL POWER STATION (RF) (PTY) LIMITED INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER PROJECTS","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2017-04-06","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CER-letter-to-IPP-office_6-April-2017-1.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and groundWork, sent a letter to the South African Department of Energy's IPP Office on 6 April 2017. The letter alerts the Department that two preferred bidders under the Coal Baseload Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (CBIPPPP)—Thabametsi Power Company and ACWA Power Khanyisa—appear unable to meet the legal qualification criteria for financial and commercial close due to missing or contested environmental and generation licenses.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"On 8 March 2017, the North Gauteng High Court ruled that Thabametsi's environmental authorisation (EA) was invalid because the project failed to conduct a climate change impact assessment. Consequently, the court set aside the Minister's decision and suspended the EA until a fresh decision is made based on a final climate change impact assessment report.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Thabametsi judgment established three critical precedents for coal-fired power stations in South Africa: they contribute significantly to climate change and pose risks to sustainable development; they are themselves vulnerable to climate change-induced water scarcity; and all new proposed coal plants must fully assess climate change impacts within an EIA before authorisation.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"A draft climate change impact assessment for the 1200 MW Thabametsi project indicates the plant wouldS would emit 8.2 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, a level described as \"very large\" by international standards. The report also notes that the plant does not improve the emissions intensity of South Africa's grid, only performingSSS compared to the country's three oldest coal plants (Camden, Hendrina, and Arnot).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Thabametsi project faces significant operational risks from climate change, specifically regarding water availability, quality, and temperature increases. Drought conditions in the Lephalale region may increase community tension and threaten the project's \"social licence to operate.\"","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The Khanyisa project, proposed by ACWA Power, is challenged on the grounds that its EIA failed to adequately consider climate change impacts. Additionally, its provisional atmospheric emission licence (PAEL) is contested because it was issued for a 450 MW plant rather than the current 600 MW capacity, and the project lacks an integrated water use licence (IWUL) and a NERSA generation licence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Under the CBIPPPP Request for Proposals (RFP), preferred bidders must provide proof of environmental consents (EA, WUL, AEL, and heritage approvals), a NERSA generation licence, and proof of resolved legal appeals at least one month before commercial close. The CER asserts that neither Thabametsi nor Khanyisa meet these criteria as of April 2017.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000656#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["climate change impact assessment","coal-fired power stations","greenhouse gas emissions","environmental authorisation","water scarcity"],"geography_discussed":["Lephalale Local Municipality"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal challenge","regulatory compliance","environmental impact"]},{"id":"cer-000416","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000416","title":"NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPEAL AGAINST THE INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION ISSUED IN TERMS OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998 AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2010 FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 600MW COAL-FIRED POWER STATION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE – IPP KHANYISA POWER STATION NEAR EMALAHLENI, MPUMULANGA PROVINCE.","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2017-03-29","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Annexure-B-Notice-of-Intention-to-Appeal-IPP-Khanyisa.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed"],"summary":{"text":"A notice of intention to appeal submitted by groundWork, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, against the integrated Environmental Authorisation for the 600MW IPP Khanyisa coal-fired power station near Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Province.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000416#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"groundWork is appealing the integrated Environmental Authorisation issued to ACWA Power Khanyisa Thermal Power Station (RF) (Pty) Limited for a coal-fired power station that was originally 450MW and later amended to 600MW.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000416#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appeal is based on the claim that the project lacked a comprehensive assessment of climate change impacts, which the appellant argues is a legal requirement following the Thabametsi judgment delivered by the Gauteng Provincial Division of the High Court on 8 March 2017.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000416#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appellant requests an extension for the late filing of the notice under regulation 60(4) of NEMA, arguing that the power station's projected operational life until at least 2060 and changes in international climate commitments—specifically South Africa's ratification of the Paris Agreement in November 2016—justify the delay.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000416#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appellant asserts that the Khanyisa project should be subject to the same climate change impact assessment requirements as the Thabametsi project, as both were granted preferred bidder status under the Coal Baseload Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000416#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","climate change impact assessment","environmental authorisation","paris agreement"],"geography_discussed":["South Africa"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":[]},{"id":"cer-000613","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000613","title":"APPEAL IN TERMS OF SECTION 43 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998 AND THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT: NATIONAL APPEAL REGULATIONS, 2014 AGAINST THE INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION ISSUED TO COLENSO POWER (PTY) LTD FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 1050MW COLENSO COAL-FIRED POWER STATION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE NEAR COLENSO, KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2016-03-01","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/CER-gW-SDCEA-Colenso-Appeal-Cover-Letter-1-3-16.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights, acting on behalf of groundwork and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, submitted a formal appeal on 1 March 2016 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs. The appeal challenges the integrated environmental authorisation issued on 5 February 2016 for the construction of the 1050MW Colenso coal-fired power station and its associated infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000613#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The appeal is filed against the integrated environmental authorisation granted on 5 February 2016 for the establishment of the 1050MW Colenso coal-fired power station and associated infrastructure near Colenso, KwaZulu-Natal Province.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000613#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appeal was submitted on 1 March 2016 by the Centre for Environmental Rights on behalf of two clients: groundwork and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000613#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The submission was made in accordance with Section 43 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 and the National Environmental Management Act: National Appeal Regulations, 2014, specifically regulation 4(2)(a).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000613#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","environmental authorisation","energy transition","environmental law"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal appeal"]},{"id":"cer-000623","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000623","title":"APPEAL IN TERMS OF SECTION 43 NATIONAL ENVIRONEMNTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998 AGAINST THE INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION ISSUED TO NEWSHELF 1282 (PTY) LTD FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 1200MW COAL-FIRED POWER STATION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE – IPP THABAMETSI POWER STATION NEAR LEPHALALE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":"2015-05-11","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/CER-Letter-Thabametsi-Appeal-11-5-15.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"This document is a formal letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights, acting on behalf of Earthlife Africa, Johannesburg, submitting an appeal to the Minister of Environmental Affairs against the integrated environmental authorisation granted to Newshelf 1282 (Pty) Ltd for the construction of the 1200MW coal-fired Thabametsi Power Station near Lephalale, Limpopo Province.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000623#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights, representing Earthlife Africa, Johannesburg, has filed an appeal under Section 43 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, against an integrated environmental authorisation issued to Newshelf 1282 (Pty) Ltd.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000623#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The appeal contests the authorisation for the establishment of the IPP Thabametsi Power Station, which is designed as a 1200MW coal-fired power station and associated infrastructure located near Lephalale in the Limpopo Province.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000623#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The integrated environmental authorisation being appealed was originally issued on 25 February 2015 and subsequently amended on 17 March 2015.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000623#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","environmental authorisation","energy transition"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal appeal"]},{"id":"cer-000889","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000889","title":"ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2014","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2014-12-04","source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/EIA-Regulations-2014.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, establish the legal procedures and criteria for preparing, submitting, and deciding upon applications for environmental authorisations in South Africa. The regulations detail two primary assessment paths—Basic Assessment and Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR)—and mandate the appointment of independent environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs) to manage the process. They also set strict timeframes for government decisions, requirements for public participation, and protocols for the auditing and amendment of environmental management programmes (EMPr) and closure plans.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The regulations define two distinct assessment processes for environmental authorisation: a Basic Assessment and a Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) process. The EAP must determine which process applies based on notices published under section 24D of the Act, applicable guidelines, and advice from the competent authority.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Proponents are required to appoint an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) at their own cost to manage the application. Independence is defined as having no business, financial, or personal interest in the activity that could compromise objectivity.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The regulations establish specific timeframes for the application process: the competent authority must acknowledge receipt of applications within 10 days, and State departments must provide comments within 30 days. Public participation processes must be conducted for at least 30 days.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Environmental authorisations must include specific conditions, including a commencement period that cannot exceed 10 years and cannot be extended beyond that limit without following the formal amendment process.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Compliance with the environmental authorisation and the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) must be audited by an independent person. The frequency of these audits cannot exceed intervals of five years.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Public participation is mandatory and must include notice via notice boards at the site boundary, written notice to occupiers and adjacent landowners, and advertisements in local and sometimes provincial or national newspapers.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The regulations provide for the suspension or withdrawal of an environmental authorisation if the competent authority believes it was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation of material facts, or non-disclosure of material information.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Failure to meet prescribed timeframes results in the application lapsing, unless an extension has been granted by the competent authority.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Specific requirements are set for the content of Basic Assessment Reports, Scoping Reports, and Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, including the need for a 21-digit Surveyor General code for each cadastral land parcel to describe the location.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000889#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["environmental impact assessment","environmental authorisation","environmental management programme","regulatory compliance"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["regulatory framework","procedural guide"]},{"id":"cer-000230","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000230","title":"KM_C554e-20160226162717","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/25-2-16-Approved-Amendment-of-Environmental-Auhtorisation-road-realignment.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A statement from the South African Department of Environmental Affairs amending an Environmental Authorisation (EA) issued on 31 October 2013. The amendment concerns the realignment of road D255 for the 450 MW Khanyisa Coal Fired Power Station in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Province.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000230#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Department of Environmental Affairs has approved an amendment to the Environmental Authorisation (EA) dated 31 October 2013 to realign road D255 back to the alignment originally approved for the Khanyisa Power Station.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000230#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The amendment applies to the 450 MW Khanyisa Coal Fired Power Station located in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Province.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000230#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The applicant is required to notify all registered interested and affected parties in writing within 14 days of the decision, including information on the appeal process as per the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000230#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Under section 43(7) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, any appeal lodged will suspend the environmental authorisation or its provisions, meaning the activity cannot commence until the appeal is finalised.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000230#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal","power station","environmental authorisation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["administrative decision"]},{"id":"cer-000524","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000524","title":"KM_C654e-20170203144023","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Approved-Amended-EA-ACWA-Power-Khanyisa-IPP-change-of-applicant-and-farm-names.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The South African Department of Environmental Affairs issued an amendment to the Environmental Authorisation (EA) dated 31 October 2013 for the construction of the 450 MW Khanyisa coal-fired power station in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. The amendment updates the project applicant and the specific farm portions designated for the project site and ash disposal site.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000524#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Department of Environmental Affairs amended the Environmental Authorisation for the 450 MW Khanyisa coal-fired power station, changing the applicant from Anglo Operations Limited to ACWA Khanyisa Thermal Power Station (RF) (Pty) Ltd.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000524#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The amendment updates the project site location to include the remaining extent of portion 1, the remaining extent of portion 145, and portion 167 of the Farm Klipfontein No. 322 JS, as well as the remaining extent of the Farm Groenfontein No. 331.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000524#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The ash disposal site has been amended to encompass the remaining extent of the Farm Groenfontein No. 331, the remaining extent of portion 2 of the Farm Groenfontein No. 331, the remaining extent of the Farm Klippan No. 332, and portions 2, 7, and 11 (a portion of portion 5) of the Farm Klippan No. 332.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000524#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","environmental authorisation","energy transition"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["administrative","regulatory"]}]}