SOUTH AFRICA’s energy ministry on Sunday began consultations with industry on preparations for a proposed 2,500 megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant building programme, which has faced opposition from environmental campaigners.
South Africa wants to supplement its power capacity because of problems at state utility Eskom’s fleet of coal-fired power plants, some of which will be decommissioned over the next two decades.
The energy ministry aims to use the consultation process – known as a Request for Information – to get some idea of the cost, possible ownership structures, cost recovery, the end-user cost and sustainability of the nuclear programme, it said in a statement.
“Given the long lead-time of building additional new nuclear capacity, upfront planning is necessary for security of energy supply to society into the future,” the energy ministry said.
Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute earlier this month wrote to the energy
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
