Cape Town - The Department of Energy (DoE) on Wednesday reiterated that South Africa has not entered into any deal or signed any contract for the procurement of nuclear power.
"The procurement process for the nuclear new build programme has not commenced. A fair, transparent, equitable, competitive and open procurement process will be followed in line with the Constitution and the decisions of Cabinet."
Earthlife Africa and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environmental Institute are legally challenging government’s nuclear procurement process, focusing on an intergovernmental agreement signed with Russia in 2014.
The two groups believe legal documents indicate that South Africa did sign a binding nuclear deal with Russia.
The application is being opposed by the Minister of Energy.
READ: SA's nuclear plans: Fanning the flames of suspicion
"The Court’s decision to postpone the matter to February 2017 will allow all interested parties to review relevant documentation," said the DoE.
It added that government remains committed to ensure energy security for the country, including the roll-out of the nuclear new build programme as an integral part of the energy mix.
The nuclear new build programme will enable the country to create jobs, develop skills, create industries, and contribute to the country’s knowledge economy, said the DoE.
"Government remains committed to a procurement process that is in line with the country’s legislation and policies. The Nuclear programme shall contribute to the government’s socio-economic development and transformation agenda."
READ: Eskom now officially in charge of nuclear deal
Earlier on Wednesday the department's revised determination was gazetted.
It means that Eskom is now officially the designated procurer, owner and operator of nuclear power plants with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Limited (Necsa) as an owner and operator of Front end Fuel Facilities including the Multi-purpose Reactor.
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