If you want to scare pigeons, throw in a cat! Nuclear seems like a cat among healthy, growing pigeons (renewable energy set to be coming on stream to boost rainbow ideas such as the energy mix). Today, the 16th May 2023, the Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, detailed the State’s plans for minerals and energy, among them, the nuclear energy policy.
Speaking the Department’s budget vote, she said nuclear energy policy directs that nuclear shall form part of the country’s strategy to mitigate climate change. “This is because nuclear is recognised as a clean energy source that has baseload. Furthermore, nuclear has been demonstrated globally to be an energy source that contributes to economic growth and technology development through investment in infrastructure, creation of jobs, and further development of highly skilled workers.”
To advance the implementation of 2500 megawatts of Nuclear New Build Programme the Department recently completed a Procurement Framework. This will ensure that the procurement of the 2 500 megawatts of nuclear energy is completed by 2024 to ensure the security of energy supply.
Nkabane confirmed the Department will continue to exercise oversight on the Eskom implementation of Koeberg Nuclear Power.
She also said the Department is working with NECSA, and ther key stakeholders, to implement a Multipurpose Research Reactor (MPR) project. This is set to replace the existing SAFARI-1 nuclear research reactor by 2030.
Critics of nuclear power say it is a threat to people and the environment. They also question if it will ever be a sustainable energy source. Threats of nuclear include health risks, accidents and environmental damage from uranium mining, processing and transport.