Cabinet’s alleged “hasty” approval of a new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – which would open the door for nuclear procurement – cements perceptions that the new energy minister was appointed to fast-track the nuclear deal.
This is the opinion of Democratic Alliance shadow minister of energy, Gavin Davis, who noted that the action was “highly irregular”. The decision was made three months before the deadline set by the previous minister, no official announcement had been made and the promised second round of public participation was completely done away with.
“We are therefore in the process of consulting our legal team to assess whether the new IRP has been approved lawfully, and what steps can be taken in this regard,” he said.
Davis emphasised that the IRP was purposefully approved before the African National Congress conference this week in order to make it as difficult as possible for any potential successor to put a halt to nuclear procurement.
“No rational government would push for the procurement of new nuclear power stations in our current circumstances,” he added. “Indeed, all reputable studies have shown that we do not need to build new nuclear power stations and that we cannot afford to do so.”