South Africa Announces Plans For 'Extensive' Nuclear Energy Programme
Written by NucNet
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
NucNet News No. 189
14 Aug (NucNet): South Africa has announced draft plans for the
development of "an extensive" nuclear energy programme with the
long-term goal of being self-sufficient in the nuclear fuel cycle.
In a draft nuclear energy policy document covering the period 2007 to 2025, the Department of Minerals and Energy said the government plans a three-phase initiative to establish a modern nuclear industry including fabrication, manufacture, construction and services.
Phase one, from 2007 to 2010, will include preparatory work for expansion of the country's nuclear infrastructure and preparation for the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Phase two (2011 to 2015) will include construction of new nuclear units and the demonstration of advanced nuclear energy systems.
During the third phase (2016 to 2025), new nuclear units will begin commercial operation and research into further advanced nuclear energy systems will be accelerated.
Coal accounts for more than 90 percent of electricity generated in South Africa. The document says nuclear is "the only economically viable alternative to coal for baseload generation on a large scale".
The document also says the government will investigate the viability of building an indigenous nuclear fuel reprocessing facility.
It says growing demand for energy in South Africa means the export of unprocessed uranium ore should be restricted and the granting of uranium mining rights made conditional to production being available for domestic use.
South Africa possesses sizeable uranium reserves and has an extensive uranium mining industry. The presence of this primary energy source is "a key element" of security of energy supply nationally, the document says.
In May 2005, a conference in France was told South Africa could see between 14 and 22 gigawatts electric of new nuclear generating capacity coming on line by 2025.
South Africa has two commercially operational nuclear units at the Koeberg nuclear power plant. The units account for about six percent of generated electricity.
The draft document, released yesterday for public comment, can be downloaded from the Department of Minerals and Energy's website - www.dme.gov.za.
Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
South Africa Poised For Significant Nuclear Energy Decision, Says Minister (World Nuclear Review No. 49, 8 December 2006)
South Africa Preparing New Nuclear Energy Policy (News No. 118, 15 May 2007)
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