KM_C658-20211103113231

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued decisions on Eskom's applications for postponement, suspension, and alternative limits regarding Minimum Emission Standards (MES). While some power stations scheduled for decommissioning (such as Camden, Acacia, Port Rex, Kriel, Komati, Hendrina, and Grootvlei) were granted suspensions of compliance timeframes until 2026-2030, applications for Matla and Duvha power stations were largely refused due to failure to demonstrate compliance plans or meet legal requirements for alternative limits, particularly in priority areas.

• The National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) established that under the current legal framework (GNR 1207 of 31 October 2018), once-off postponements of compliance timeframes for new plant standards cannot exceed five years and are not valid beyond 31 March 2025.
• Existing facilities scheduled for decommissioning by 2030 may apply for a once-off suspension of compliance timeframes with new plant standards until 2030, provided they submit a clear decommissioning schedule and comply with existing plant standards during the suspension period.
• The NAQO refused Eskom's applications for alternative limits for Particulate Matter (PM) at power stations located within national priority areas because it would be illegal to issue such limits where there is non-compliance with PM standards. Additionally, Eskom failed to demonstrate previous investments for the reduction of NO and SO2 emissions at these facilities.
• The application for alternative emission limits and postponement for the Duvha Power Station was refused in its entirety. The NAQO cited a lack of a comprehensive plan to ensure PM emissions would be below the MES by 31 March 2025, and noted that Eskom does not comply with any of the emission standards for solid fuels combustion installations.
• Suspensions of compliance timeframes for new plant standards were granted for several power stations scheduled for decommissioning, with specific limits and dates: - Camden Power Station: SO2 limit of 3500mg/Nm3 (until 31 March 2025) and NO limit of 1100mg/Nm3 (from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025). - Acacia Power Station: NO limit of 600mg/Nm3 from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030. - Port Rex Power Station: PM limit of 75mg/Nm3 (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2030) and NO limit of 600mg/Nm3 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030). - Kriel Power Station: PM limit of 100mg/Nm3 (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2030), SO2 limit of 2800mg/Nm3 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030), and NO limit of 1100mg/Nm3 (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2030). - Komati Power Station: PM limit of 100mg/Nm3 (1 April 2020 to 31 December 2029), SO2 limit of 2600mg/Nm3 (1 April 2025 to 31 December 2029), and NO limit of 1100mg/Nm3 (1 April 2020 to 31 December 2029). - Hendrina Power Station: SO2 limit of 3200mg/Nm3 (1 April 2025 to 31 December 2026) and NO limit of 1100mg/Nm3 (1 April 2020 to 31 December 2026). - Grootvlei Power Station: SO2 limit of 3500mg/Nm3 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030) and NO limit of 1100mg/Nm3 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030).

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (n.d.). KM_C658-20211103113231. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Annexure-B-Reasons-for-the-Decisions.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. KM_C658-20211103113231. n.d. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Annexure-B-Reasons-for-the-Decisions.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=KM_C658-20211103113231 |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Annexure-B-Reasons-for-the-Decisions.pdf?x21779 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{centreforenvironmentalrightsndkmc65820211103113231, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{KM\_C658-20211103113231}}, publisher = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Annexure-B-Reasons-for-the-Decisions.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }