Tag: National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
Renewable energy data centres – powering AI’s future
Let's face it: South Africa's power grid is not winning any awards for reliability. Our data centres are feeling the heat - and not in a good way. These digital powerhouses not only keep our online world spinning but are also fuelling the recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution - yet their ever-expanding capabilities hinge on one critical requirement: an uninterrupted power supply.
South Africa’s new Climate Change Act – an overview
The mechanisms created under the new Climate Change Act must be implemented in accordance with the principles set out in section 3 and with a view to achieve the Act's objectives set out in section 2. The Act imposes different duties on different categories of government stakeholders, including organs of state which are required to revise, amend, coordinate and harmonise their policies, laws, measures, programmes and decisions in order to ensure that the risks of climate change impacts and associated vulnerabilities are taken into consideration.
The impact of NEMLAA4 on SA’s environmental landscape
In the ever-evolving arena of environmental legislation, the National Environmental Management Amendment Act 2 of 2022 (NEMLAA4) emerges as a transformative force, poised to introduce a wholesale shift in South Africa’s environmental legislative landscape.
National Biodiversity Offset Guideline finally published
The National Biodiversity Offset Guideline (BOG) has been published. It specifically applies to applications for environmental authorisations but can be used by authorities making other decisions that may involve biodiversity offsetting.
Redressing mine closure liability through the ESG lens
Mining companies are under increased pressure from regulators, investors, and communities to manage social and environmental risks arising from mine closure and rehabilitation. Abandoned mines and their dumps are common features of the South African mining landscape.
Incentivising strategic development – moving one step closer or two steps...
Recent moves to incentivise renewable energy development in designated areas are welcome, but a new requirement has been introduced which may prove onerous and cause significant delays. Faced with ongoing blackouts, an economy downgraded to junk status and the highest level of unemployment since 2008, the South African government is under more pressure than ever before to promote energy development and attract investment.
