Energy Minister Reaffirms South Africa’s Commitment To Nuclear

15 Aug (NucNet): South Africa’s energy minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nuclear energy in a written reply to a parliamentary question. Ms Kubayi said nuclear energy was the “declared intention of government guided by the Nuclear Energy Policy of 2008 and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010-30”. She said: “This option exists to ensure that key objectives of the National Development Plan 2010-30‚ especially on socioeconomic development and job creation‚ are achieved.” She said the energy department is in the process of updating the IRP. Finalisation of the IRP will determine the role of nuclear energy in the energy mix and when it will be required. South Africa is looking to build up to 9,600 MW of new nuclear capacity around the country. The two-unit Koeberg nuclear station outside Cape Town is the country’s only commercially operating nuclear station.