Eskom submits 5,200 MW nuclear expansion plan
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
State-owned utility Eskom has submitted its feasibility programme for a 5,200 MW nuclear expansion included in South Africa’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said a determination paving the way for a tender would be put out for public consultation, according to IOL.
Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity company, has submitted its feasibility programme for a 5,200 MW nuclear expansion, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed on Tuesday. The project is part of the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which provides for new nuclear capacity to strengthen the country’s electricity supply, according to IOL.
The ministry is preparing a determination that will be put out for public consultation. Its publication will trigger the procurement process, while the national nuclear regulator will remain responsible for safety and licensing, Ramokgopa said at the South African Nuclear and Clean Energy Conference.
The minister said the government wanted to learn lessons from the construction of the Medupi and Kusile power stations to avoid planning mistakes. He also pointed to a shortage of local skills to build nuclear power stations, as South Africa has not built one for about 50 years, and announced cooperation with international partners to train engineers.
Ramokgopa also said nuclear power and coal could coexist. The continued operation of some coal-fired power stations will depend in particular on their condition, costs and environmental requirements, while others will be shut down, according to the minister.
