In a recent decision, Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has given TotalEnergies the green light to conduct exploratory drilling off the southwest coast of South Africa.
This comes after the dismissal of an appeal from 18 applicants, allowing TotalEnergies to move forward with their plans.
The approved drilling will take place in an area spanning 10,000 km2, located between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas. The project, expected to last about 10 months, will be situated 60km from the coast at its closest point and 170km at its furthest.
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Environmental authorization was initially granted to TotalEnergies by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in April of this year. The department’s assessment found that the impact of the drilling is deemed to be “negligible to low significance” with the implementation of mitigation measures.
Additionally, measures have been put in place to address the potential risk of a blow-out, although the likelihood of such an event is considered to be very unlikely.
The decision by Minister Creecy comes after careful consideration of 11 grounds of appeal raised by the appellants, including eco-justice groups such as The Green Connection and Natural Justice.
Concerns were raised regarding climate change, air emissions, the possibility of spills, noise pollution affecting marine life, the impact on cultural heritage, and the socio-economic implications for tourism and fisheries.
However, these concerns were ultimately dismissed as the minister determined that TotalEnergies had appropriate strategies in place to address these issues.
While this decision is a significant step forward for TotalEnergies, it is important to note that appellants still have the option to review the minister’s decision through legal channels within 180 days.
This potential for further legal action highlights the ongoing debate surrounding offshore drilling and its potential impact on the environment and local communities.
As South Africa moves towards a more sustainable energy future, balancing economic development with environmental preservation is crucial.
The decision to allow offshore drilling raises important questions about the country’s energy priorities and the long-term consequences of such activities.
It is essential for all stakeholders to continue engaging in open dialogue and transparent processes to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the environment and society.
