Nuclear as a baseload option
11 October 2016
South Africa has committed to building new nuclear power plants in its bid to increasingly diversify its energy mix to lower carbon emissions as required under COP21 energy targets, and in order to generate cheaper electricity and thereby further stimulate economic growth.
Although there are a number of alternatives available, nuclear remains the best long-term option for the further development of South Africa’s energy mix that will ensure security of electricity supply whilst adhering to our various national and international objectives. Nuclear does require high initial capital expenditure for construction but, operationally, nuclear offers one of the cheapest sources of electricity that comes with zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Nuclear energy currently accounts for over 4% of the South Africa’s power supply. In order to fulfil this 9.6GW ambition, government has appointed the Department of Energy (DOE) as the procuring agent and Eskom as the owner-operator of new nuclear power plants.
The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), as the primary organisation for all nuclear power plant owners, has committed to support Eskom and the country in expanding nuclear power. The WANO commitment is no doubt due to Eskom’s extensive experience in nuclear power.