Eskom has submitted a feasibility programme for 5,200MW of new nuclear capacity, while the Department of Electricity and Energy prepares a proposed determination for public participation.
Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed the steps at the South African Nuclear and Clean Energy Conference, according to a government report published on Tuesday, 10 November.
The proposed capacity is aligned with the Integrated Resource Plan 2025. Ramokgopa said the department would put its case for additional capacity before the public and assess submissions on scientific evidence and merit.
This is a feasibility and consultation-stage update. The report does not establish that a procurement contract has been awarded, a plant has received construction approval or new reactors have been built.
The minister said publication of the determination would be a statutory trigger for procurement. He also said the National Nuclear Regulator would exercise its independent safety and licensing authority.
Ramokgopa identified limited nuclear-construction experience as a risk and called for engineering skills to be developed with international partners. Those plans do not establish completed training or project delivery.
EBNewsDaily’s earlier conference preview described scheduled discussions. Tuesday’s statement provides a subsequent update on the programme’s preparation.
File photograph of Koeberg nuclear power station. Photograph date not supplied; this is the existing station, not a new reactor, proposed site or the conference. Photo: SAnews.gov.za / DOC. Source: https://www.sanews.gov.za/node/85143 . Reuse terms: https://www.sanews.gov.za/content/user-policy . Cropped and resized for display.
