The IRP clearly stipulates that South Africa will start preparatory work for deployment of 2,500MW nuclear power as part of ensuring energy supply security, at a pace and scale the country can afford. It is important for government to understand the skills and expertise of available nuclear power plant vendors and technologies. South Africa is currently reliant on Koeberg nuclear power plant in the Western Cape which has successfully operated for over 35 years and is now undergoing a life extension programme to operate until 2045.
"The RFI allows the government to gain a deeper understanding of how much it will cost to deploy 2,500MW of nuclear technology. The various options for funding and ownership will indicate how this could meet the objective of being at a pace and scale the country can reasonably afford. The issues raised in the previous IRP debates for nuclear relate to the realistic costing, funding and ownership model adopted and this RFI should assist in resolving some of the uncertainty. As this is only a RFI with no financial or contractual impact, it is the best way to move the debate forward," Mr. David Nicholls, chairperson of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) board of directors.
The Nuclear Energy Act of 2008 commits towards ensuring that the nuclear new build programme will contribute towards the economic growth of South Africa in terms of the infrastructure, expertise and skills in the country.
