The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), in conjunction with the Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), are scouting for a suitable company to do an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
This is prior to submission of its proposal for the envisaged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Ngqura.
Once appointed, the service provider, is expected to conduct an extensive analysis of ecological and local regulations to determine critical environmental authorisations.
These includes a seismic survey, marine ecology, climate change impact assessment and socio-economic assessment to support the project.
Phyllis Difeto, Acting TNPA Chief Executive, said the EIA process is carried out in tandem with negotiations of the Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) between TNPA and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) to build and operate an onshore LNG regasification facility at the Port of Ngqura for 30 years.
The appointment of SFF is the outcome of a Section 79 process and directive issued by the former Minister of Transport, in accordance with the National Ports Act of 2005.
Difeto, also said “this milestone is a critical step towards the development of the LNG terminal at the Port of Ngqura. Through its commercial seaports, TNPA is at the forefront of enabling the gas-to-power project pipeline whilst ensuring the security of supply and unlocking global opportunities for sustainable impact.”
The Port of Ngqura LNG Terminal is one of 12 priority infrastructure projects announced in March 2024 that hold a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status.
Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa, said “ISA is established to provide strategic, technical and financial advisory support to project sponsors for the planning, preparation, development and implementation of national pipeline projects and strategic integrated projects.”
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