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Karpowership SA welcomes the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s (DFFE) decision to grant environmental authorisation for its Richards Bay Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application, representing a critical milestone in its participation in the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) that will lead up to reaching financial close.

The decision not only vindicates Karpowership SA’s thorough EIA methodology and process that included comprehensive and inclusive public participation processes in Richards Bay, but also demonstrates the department’s willingness to objectively evaluate the information at hand. This decision is further justification that our Powerships exceed both international and South African environmental standards, and we are pleased that this has been recognised.

The outcome represents a meaningful turning point in this extensive process as all parties involved including our stakeholders and various other interested and affected parties (IAPs) have worked cohesively and supported Karpowership SA to showcase that our LNG-to-Power projects will make an important contribution to combatting South Africa’s energy crisis through a stable, cleaner, and reliable electricity supply to the businesses and communities that so urgently need it. 

Karpowership SA is proud to be able to play a significant role with its state-of-the-art LNG-to-Power technology in Richards Bay, assisting South Africa in achieving its net-zero targets. It also recognises the importance of this decision in enabling us to power beyond the grid in our efforts to play a role in South Africa’s energy transition. We have previously stated our commitment to the local communities through various job opportunities and socio-economic initiatives. For our Richards Bay project approximately R6 billion is dedicated to Economic Development for the life of the project.

Our next focus is on meeting financial close, which will require us to finalise our agreements with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). Karpowership SA remains committed to South Africa and the process set out and led by the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the Independent Power Producers (IPP) office.

Issued by Karpowership SA