Musina-Makhado power station
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Musina-Makhado power station is a power station in Waterberg, Waterberg District, Limpopo, South Africa with multiple units of varying statuses, none of which are currently operating. It is also known as Power China International Energy Project.
Location
Table 1: Project-level location details
| Plant name | Location | Coordinates (WGS 84) |
|---|---|---|
| Musina-Makhado power station | Waterberg, Waterberg District, Limpopo, South Africa | -24.075, 28.141667 (approximate) |
The map below shows the approximate location of the power station.
Project Details
Table 2: Unit-level details
| Unit name | Status | Fuel(s) | Capacity (MW) | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other capacity | shelved | coal: bituminous | 1980 | unknown |
| Reduced capacity | permitted | coal: bituminous | 1320 | unknown |
Table 3: Unit-level ownership and operator details
| Unit name | Owner | Parent |
|---|---|---|
| Other capacity | Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd [100%] | Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd [100.0%] |
| Reduced capacity | Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd [100%] | Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd [100.0%] |
Project-level captive use details
- Captive industry use (heat or power): power
- Captive industry: Iron & Steel
Project-level coal details
- Coal source(s): Waterberg
- Permit(s):
Background
Since at least 2014, there has been discussion of a large coal plant in Limpopo through a partnership with China. In November 2014, it was reported provincial state entity Limpopo Economic Development Agency and Chinese corporation Hong Kong Mining Exchange Company had entered into a deal for a R39 billion power station that would supply electricity to plants that processed mineral resources into finished metal products.[1]
In July 2018, Chinese state-owned companies and the South African Government signed an MOU for the development of a proposed US$10 billion metallurgical complex, including a coal power station, in the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Limpopo province. The SEZ has a reduced corporate tax rate of 15%, instead of 28% for SA companies. Construction was planned for 2019.[2] The project has been referred to as the Power China International Energy Project.[3]
According to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in July 2018, the plant would be 3,000 MW and would cost approximately US$4.5 billion overall. Phase 1 of the plant, 2 x 600 MW, was estimated to cost US$1.9 billion. PowerChina would invest and construct the plant and, under the terms of the MOA, was expected to facilitate the signing of a Joint Development Agreement with other investors.[4]
In September 2018, the South African government and the Bank of China entered into a trade agreement in which the Chinese will make investments of US$1.1 billion (R15 billion) in special economic zones and industrial parks in South Africa. The deal will include the construction of the coal-fired power plant over six years.[5]
According to press reports, the proposal came as a surprise as it was not listed in the country's latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).[6]
The Environmental Impact Assessment documents referenced a potential 3,300 MW project.[7]
As noted below, in response to community opposition, the proposal for the power plant was informally downsized to 1,320 MW in May 2021.
After China committed to stop all overseas coal financing in September 2021, several news sources reported that the future of the Musina-Makhado power station was now in jeopardy, as the power station had expected to rely on Chinese funding to cover construction costs.[8][9] In November 2021, the Chinese ambassador to South Africa confirmed that Chinese government-owned institutions would not be providing financing for the Musina-Makhado power station.[10]
Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ)
The South African government formally approved a special economic zone in 2016. In 2017, the then Department of Trade and Industry issued an operating license to the South African Energy and Metallurgical Zone Co., a subsidiary of Chinese firm Shenzhen Hoi Mor.[11]
According to the Chinese website for the South African Electro Metallurgical Special Economic Zone (EMSEZ), the park was originally planned to contain: the coal plant; a coal washing plant (with capacity to process 12 mtpa); a coking plant (3 mtpa); an iron plant (3 mtpa); a stainless steel plant (3 mtpa); a ferro manganese powder plant (1 mtpa); a ferrochrome plant (3 mtpa); and a limestone plant (3 mtpa).[6]
Potential transition to "green energy" and other energy sources
In late 2021, the CEO of the entity mandated to develop and operate the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, MMSEZ SOC, commented on the zone's plans in light of China's finance announcement (see supra). “The Chinese development will not have any impact on the development of the MMSEZ power project. The development of the power station will still go on, making use of green energy and technology supported by the Chinese,” said Shavana Mushwana. He continued by stating that the decision by the Chinese had been a blessing in disguise because it had escalated the plans of the MMSEZ to transition from a fossil-fuel energy generator into a renewable-energy generator. “There are various sources of energy generation that will be considered to provide uninterrupted and cheaper energy to support the MMSEZ metallurgical complex and ensure security of supply. Upon conclusion of the investment agreement with our Chinese partners, a public announcement will be made thereafter.”[12]
In March 2022, it was reported that the company overseeing the development of the proposed Chinese-backed industrial park had ditched plans to build a coal power station and would instead use solar power. "Environmentalists said no. World leaders said no – [saying instead] let's reduce our carbon footprint and stop producing energy through coal," said MMSEZ CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga. "We have abandoned that part of the project. We are now focusing on solar."[13]
An April 2022 report by the Centre for Research on Clean Energy and Air considers the environmental approval for the coal project to be cancelled, mentioning the possibility of the 1 GW solar plant to replace it.[14]
In September 2022, it was reported that MMSEZ chief executive officer Lehlogonolo Masoga confirmed plans were afoot to construct a solar plant in partnership with a Chinese company, which he preferred not to name until a memorandum of understanding had been signed. “One of the appeal grounds by various organisations about the EIA was that we wanted to build a coal-fired power station. We have abandoned it and we are now going to use a combination of Eskom power, solar supported by battery storage and hydrogen,” Masoga said. He added that MMSEZ was partnering with an Australian company on a hydrogen energy project, and that a dam would be built in Musina.[15]
As of September 2023, plans for a coal power plant in the MMSEZ remained uncertain. A June 2023 presentation on the MMSEZ by a South African representative referred to "renewable energy."[16] In August 2023, however, the UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights wrote in a report on his visit to South Africa earlier in the month: "...considering the government's commitments on climate action, I was perplexed to hear about its licensing of new coal and green house gas-intensive projects. A couple of examples are the Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone, another coal mine in Lephalale, and numerous offshore oil and gas projects."[17]
In February 2024, the MMSEZ State Owned Company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Red Rocket, an independent power producer proposing to build and operate a 500 MW solar plant in the zone's south site.[18]
According to reporting from April 2024, MMSEZ developers were now reportedly seeking to use small modular reactors to supply the area with nuclear power. Environmental groups called the plan "absurd."[19]
In July 2024, the CEO of the MMSEZ reportedly confirmed that they had cancelled plans to build a coal plant and would instead use renewable energy for the project.[20] That same month, however, All Rise Attorneys for Climate and Environmental Justice filed an objection to a proposed township development at the MMSEZ site, and noted that the project’s existing environmental authorization “granted in February 2022 refers to the revised site layout, which includes the coal-fired power station.”[21]
Adjacent coal mines
In February 2023, concerns were raised over a potential revival of coal plans in the Zone. Residents of the region stated that previously mothballed coal mines owned by MC Mining were slated to reopen within a few months. The MC Mining website stated that the mines would supply the Musina-Makhado SEZ.[22] As of mid-February 2023, several court challenges had already been brought against the project by community and environmental groups.[23]
In a project update from April 2023, MC Mining announced they had formulated an implementation plan for their Makhado coal mining project, wherein "...thermal coal production increases from 570,000tpa to an average of 650,000tpa (an increase of 14%) during the first five years of operation."[24] In the company's quarterly report released in April 2023, mining and coal processing at the Vele Colliery had "ramped up following the recommissioning of the mine in December 2022 and…delivered 48,581t (FY2022 Q3: nil t) of thermal coal during the quarter."[25]
Permitting
In September 2020, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) tentatively endorsed the construction of the MMSEZ if steps were taken to mitigate problems such as water scarcity.[26]
The Centre for Environmental Rights and researchers found that the body carrying out the EIA, Delta Built Environment Consultants, had not fully solicited public opinion, in particular from communities opposed to the project, during 2019 and 2020 consultations.[11]
In March 2021, authorities rejected an EIA report submitted in February 2021 due to a failure to fully assess environmental and energy issues. An updated version of the report had to be produced, and an extra public consultation process had to be run. Given conflicts of interest among authorities, academics and NGOs remained concerned they could ultimately accept the EIA report.[11][27]
In addition, the northern part of the zone may have already had its EIA approved and in May 2021, construction was expected to begin shortly.[28]
In September 2021, the final EIA for site clearance was submitted to the Limpopo department of economic development, environment and tourism. The assessment, prepared by the project’s new environmental consultants, EnviroXcellence Services, noted that the final master layout plan had been amended to reduce the overall footprint of the project to 3 862ha, “committing over 51% of the original site for conservation and ecological linkages”.[29][30]
Lisa Thompson, a political economist and public-sector transformation specialist based at the University of the Western Cape, said recent announcements about alternative energy sources may be "about ensuring there is no public outcry when the MMSEZ EIA is approved, which I am confident will occur before the end of [2021]."[12]
2022 permit from Limpopo province
In February 2022, Limpopo province gave environmental authorisation to the initially proposed project to spend more than $10 billion (R150 billion) building a 4,600 MW coal-fired power plant, a coking facility, and ferroalloy and steel plants. The province acknowledged the potential impact on ancestral graves and cautioned against air pollution, saying measures would need to be taken to mitigate emissions. It noted water would be imported from Zimbabwe.[31][32]
2022 litigation
In 2022, Dzomo La Mupo, Earthlife Africa, Save our Limpopo Valley Environment, and groundWork challenged the environmental authorisation granted by the Chief Director of Environmental Trade and Protection, and Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). Their March 2022 appeal noted that "Whilst the EA is in respect of the site clearance, the site clearance cannot be divorced from the entire cumulative nature of the project, which (according to the EIA on which this EA was granted) is to establish a coal-fired power station and approximately 14 heavy metal industries."[33]
As of November 2024, the court challenges against the environmental authorization were ongoing.[34]
Opposition
The coal plant proposal and MMSEZ have faced ongoing criticism from interested and affected parties. For example, a December 2020 analysis of the EIA by the African Centre for Citizenship and Democracy found that plans to mitigate water scarcity "are superficially detailed and are implausible, even to the layperson," and are unlikely to succeed given the high demand for water from coal mines and farms in the region.[26]
In March 2021, NGOs, academics, and concerned citizens submitted at letter of concern to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fishing regarding the proposed MMSEZ. The letter highlighted the lack of meaningful public engagement and transparency in the face grave environmental and social risks.[35][11]
The German Friedrich Ebert Foundation held a number of workshops on water use for the MMSEZ and commissioned a study on the associated water risks. According to the expert report, the zone lies in the arid and low-precipitation Sand River catchment. In this populous area, groundwater is the main source of water and has already been overexploited, and urban areas already rely on water transfer from other catchments.[11][36]
After three inadequate public participation rounds in September and October 2020 and in January 2021, the Spring 2021 meetings still "exploded" as people vented their frustration about inadequate information on the zone. For example, meetings on the EIA process in Musina and Makhado "descended into anarchy after a dispute over the necessity of translating the presentation into three languages."[37]
In May 2021, the chief executive of the MMSEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, published an Opinion piece in the Mail & Guardian touting the benefits of a reduced proposal,[38] which was followed up by compelling rebukes.[39]
In August 2023, protestors in Johannesburg aimed criticism at the Chinese delegation attending the BRICS Summit, calling on them to stop funding fossil fuel projects in Africa and criticizing their involvement in the MMSEZ.[40]
In February 2024, an internal watchdog unit of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recommended that the agency cancel its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone State Owned Company. The UNDP's South African office had signed the MOU in 2022 agreeing to support the MMSEZ with "technical backing and expertise."[41] Environmental groups Living Limpopo and Earthlife Africa filed a complaint about the agreement and expressed concerns about adverse environmental impacts of the MMSEZ, including potential coal use and greenhouse gas emissions. The UNDP's Social and Environmental Compliance Unit investigated the complaint and found that the agency should have assessed the MOU using a template for private sector companies, which requires a higher level of due diligence, especially for projects involving coal.[41][42]
In early November 2024, a coalition of environmental groups put out an urgent call for members of the public to register as stakeholders in the environmental approval process for the proposed MMSEZ before the November 12, 2024 deadline. One of the coalition members, Living Limpopo, argued that the MMSEZ will include coal mining in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected region in Limpopo.[43][44] Environmental records revealed that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment had approved the clearing of 1000 protected trees, including ancient boabs, as part of the development of the northern section of the MMSEZ. In addition, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy had granted licenses for twelve new open-cut coal mines in the area. The High Court was scheduled to hear a legal challenge against the environmental authorization for the project on December 6, 2024.[45][46]
2021 Downsizing
According to May 2021 reporting and an Opinion piece from the chief executive of the MMSEZ, it appeared that Shenzhen Hoi Mor and the investing companies were downsizing the proposal to get the project’s EIA approved. The revised zone could be 3,500 to 4,500 hectares, or approximately half the size of the previously envisaged 8,000 hectares. The companies were making promises of carbon sequestration and the use of clean coal technologies. The proposed coal plant capacity was likely reduced to 1,320 MW, with an additional 50 MW solar plant proposed. The cement and lime plants appeared abandoned, and other industries such as the processing, machinery, and refractories factory plants were to be moved to the Antonville site on the outskirts of Musina.[28][38] However, as noted in various Mail & Guardian Opinion responses, many concerns remained. For example, it was still clear that the zone would be "a water-use intensive cluster, requiring significant amounts of coal" and "even with the dubiously named 'clean coal' will still produce high carbon emissions and toxic waste."[28][39]
As of 2022, plans for the park remain in question. Freedom Front Plus leader in Limpopo, Marcelle Maritz, said: “The Limpopo provincial government, with its premier, are known for not keeping promises. We are not convinced that this project will be launched because it has been two years since they spoke about it and nothing concrete has been done.” In the same Sunday World artcile, DA provincial leader and member of the provincial legislature, Jaques Smalle, said: "It remains to be seen if the MMSEZ will launch in 2022".[47]
Articles and Resources
References
- ↑ "Limpopo to get new R39bn power plant," Business Report, November 12, 2014
- ↑ "Chinese investors plan $10 bln metallurgical complex in South Africa," Reuters, July 27, 2018
- ↑ "Ramaphosa’s China visit culminates in investment, coal deals worth billions," City Press, September 3, 2018
- ↑ "MOA," CER, July 24, 2018
- ↑ "SA enters R15bn trade pact with Bank of China for industrial investment," Business Live, September 3, 2018
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Helena Wasserman, "The new coal power station in Limpopo will only be used by the Chinese – here’s why it’s an ‘irrational’ project," Business Insider SA, September 11, 2018
- ↑ See, e.g., "Activists relieved as Limpopo Province slams the brakes on risky Musina Makhado Mega-Project," CER, March 19, 2021
- ↑ "Plans for new Chinese coal power plant in Limpopo in doubt, consultants admit," Fin24, September 28, 2021
- ↑ "China’s exit from coal power puts Limpopo plant in limbo," Business Live, October 17, 2021
- ↑ "China withdraws funding from Limpopo 3 GW SEZ power project," Mining Weekly, November 18, 2021
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 "Musina Makhado: South Africa’s budding carbon emitter," China Dialogue, May 6, 2021
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "SEZ still on track, despite Chinese withdrawing funding," Zoutnet, November 27, 2021
- ↑ "Coal feet: Limpopo industrial park backed by China ditches plans to build power station," fin24, March 2, 2022
- ↑ "BRIEFING: 12.8 GW of Chinese overseas coal projects cancelled, but 19 GW could still go ahead," CREA, April 2022
- ↑ "Limpopo SEZ abandons plans for coal-fuelled power station in favour of solar energy," news24, September 7, 2022
- ↑ "Enterprises & Markets: Opportunities & Challenges for made in Italy – Focus South Africa," Musina Makhado SEZ SOC, June 6, 2023
- ↑ "End of Mission Statement," UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights, Marcos A. Orellana, August 11, 2023
- ↑ "MMSEZ CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga boosts Limpopo economy through solar PV facility expected to be around R10 billion," The Azanian, February 9, 2024
- ↑ "MMSEZ now also looking at nuclear power," Zoutnet, April 19, 2024
- ↑ “Not coal, but solar power to fuel project, says MMSEZ,” Limpopo Mirror, July 12, 2024
- ↑ “Environmental groups unite to prevent township development,” Zoutpansberger, August 2, 2024
- ↑ "Is Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone sustainable? A UN team is investigating," Mail & Guardian, February 9, 2023
- ↑ "Multiple court challenges brought against fossil fuel-based Musina Makhado Industrial project," Centre for Environmental Rights, February 14, 2023
- ↑ "Makhado Project Update," MC Mining Limited, April 26, 2023
- ↑ "Activities Report for the Quarter Ended 31 MARCH 2023," MC Mining Limited, April 28, 2023
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Development Dilemmas of South Africa’s Special Economic Zone Industrialisation policy- the Case of Musina-Makhado Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone and its potential socio-economic impact," African Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, December 21, 2020
- ↑ "Comments on the EIA Report," Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, March 4, 2021
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 "Musina-Makhado metallurgical zone revision a back-peddle or a back door?," Mail & Guardian, May 12, 2021
- ↑ "Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) Designated Site Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Final Report Revision 03," EnviroXcellence, September 13, 2021
- ↑ "China won’t fund coal power for Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, ambassador confirms," Mail & Guardian, November 18, 2021
- ↑ "SA province clears way for $10bn coal complex," Money Web, February 26, 2022
- ↑ "Limpopo clears way for R150bn Chinese coal complex," fin24, February 25, 2022
- ↑ "Legal challenge to the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ)," CER, accessed December 2022
- ↑ “Thirsty, energy-hungry steel ‘monster’ set to destroy thousands of Limpopo protected trees in industrial drive,” Daily Maverick, November 14, 2024
- ↑ "Open Letter to Government Regarding the Status of Consideration of the Proposed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ)," Earthlife, March 17, 2021
- ↑ "Water risks of coal driven mega projects in Limpopo: the MCWAP and the EMSEZ," Society Work and Politics (SWOP) Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, May 2020
- ↑ "Public participation is a farce in Musina-Makhado project," Mail & Guardian, May 6, 2021
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 "The Musina-Makhado zone puts people first, says its chief executive," Mail & Guardian, May 12, 2021
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 "Masoga’s glowing article about the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is disturbing," Mail & Guardian, May 28, 2021
- ↑ "CSOs to China: Stop funding fossil fuel projects in Africa — focus on clean energy," The Cable, August 25, 2023
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 "UNDP moves to scrap support for ‘risky’ R165bn Limpopo heavy industry zone," Daily Maverick, February 25, 2024
- ↑ "Draft Investigation Report: Investigating allegations of non-compliance with UNDP social and environmental commitments regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations Development Programme and the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone State Owned Company," United Nations Development Programme – OAI, Social and Environmental Compliance Unit, February 12, 2024
- ↑ “Urgent call for public input on coal and steel zone in Limpopo’s protected Vhembe Region,” IOL, November 4, 2024
- ↑ “Urgent Call for Stakeholder Registration in the Process to Approve Core Projects in the MMSEZ - Deadline 12 November 2024,” Living Limpopo, November 3, 2024
- ↑ “Baobabs in the crossfire: Over 600,000 protected trees to be destroyed for coal-driven development,” IOL, November 8, 2024
- ↑ “Outrage over plan to destroy thousands of protected trees at MMSEZ site,” Limpopo Mirror, November 8, 2024
- ↑ "Work on Musina SEZ to kick-start in April," Sunday World, March 8, 2022
Additional data
To access additional data, including an interactive map of coal-fired power stations, a downloadable dataset, and summary data, please visit the Global Coal Plant Tracker on the Global Energy Monitor website.
