Molefe: SA needs nuclear to avoid possible load shedding

3 November 2016

Johannesburg - Nuclear procurement will save South Africa from a possible 2026 electricity capacity crunch, said Eskom CEO Brian Molefe in a briefing on Thursday.

Molefe, who was delivering Eskom’s six-month results for the period to end-September 2016, warned South Africa could experience load shedding again if it doesn’t go this route.

South Africa has experienced 15 months without load shedding, said Molefe.

“We expect that by 2026 we will have problems again. Between 2022 and 2026 there will be a declining surplus,” he said.

“That is why we need to start with nuclear procurement now,”

Molefe added that “the first five years of nuclear procurement will be planning, just planning”.

South Africa’s bid to procure nuclear has come under scrutiny as experts have questioned whether the country can afford the programme.

Nevertheless, Molefe further said that “excess capacity currently exists and is projected to grow steadily over the next few years.”

“Eskom calls on customers to increase consumption,” he said.

This article first appeared on Fin24, see here.