Minimum emission standards for Medupi under the spotlight

30 Dec 2019

Eskom has applied for alternative limits in terms of Minimum Emission Standards (MES) for Medupi Power Station.

Notification of the application has been published in Government Gazette 42897.

The 2013 MES was published under the National Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004.

It specifies limits for existing plants effective from 1 April 2015, and more stringent new plant limits to which existing power stations need to comply with by 1 April 2020.

According to the notice, it is not possible for both the Matimba and Medupi Power Stations to comply with the 2020 new plant limits within the defined timeframes “due to various constraints”.

Alternative limits in terms of the MES for Medupi Power Station are sought due to the retrofits designed to reduce emissions unable to be completed within the required timeframe.

“Eskom is also applying for alternative limits at Matimba Power Station where it does not believe that given the limited air quality impact and considering the significant volumes of water required, the additional waste produced and the significant cost for installing the emission reduction equipment that, installing the technology is appropriate for Matimba.”

The notice also points out that, in parallel to the MES applications, Eskom is also required to submit variation request to change the stations’ Atmospheric Emission Licences to match the MES application.

Comment on the postponement applications can be sent to Environmental Impact Management Services as soon as possible.

See also: Special Appropriation Act signed – Funding Eskom

(This article is provided for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. For more information on the topic, please contact the author/s or the relevant provider.)