Ramokgopa: Nuclear expansion consultation must be guided by science

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa’s planned nuclear expansion will be subjected to public scrutiny based on science, evidence and the merits of the proposal rather than ideological opposition to particular energy technologies.

Ramokgopa was speaking at the South African Nuclear and Clean Energy Conference, held under the theme, “Transitioning from Policy to Execution: Powering a Secure, Sustainable and Industrialised Future”.

The Minister confirmed that Eskom has submitted its feasibility programme for a proposed 5,200MW nuclear energy programme, in line with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025.

He said the department is preparing a proposed determination for public participation, which will allow the public to consider and make submissions on the planned additional nuclear capacity.

“The case for additional capacity” will be considered on its merits, Ramokgopa said, stressing that the process should not be driven by an ideological preference for one energy source over another.

“Merit is anchored on science and evidence,” he said.

Ramokgopa also explained that the publication of the determination would trigger the statutory procurement process, while the National Nuclear Regulator would retain its independent responsibility for nuclear safety and licensing.

Under the Nuclear Energy Policy, Eskom is designated as the owner and operator of nuclear plants, with provision for it to retain control under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Lessons from Medupi and Kusile

Ramokgopa acknowledged that South Africa would need to learn from the difficulties experienced during the construction of the Medupi and Kusile power stations.

He described the previous build programme as an example of what should be avoided as government prepares for a new nuclear construction programme.

“It’s a template on how not to do things,” Ramokgopa said.

He said lessons from those projects would be used to strengthen planning and execution and ensure that the nuclear programme does not become a victim of poor project management.

The Minister said additional electricity generation would be critical to supporting South Africa’s economic ambitions, including manufacturing, new investment and affordable electricity access for households.

“South Africa needs enough electricity for the economy we intend to build,” he said.

Ramokgopa warned that insufficient generation capacity ultimately comes at a cost to the economy through more expensive electricity and lost opportunities for production and investment.

Nuclear skills shortage a major risk

One of the major challenges identified by Ramokgopa is the shortage of South Africans with experience in constructing nuclear power stations.

He noted that it has been about five decades since South Africa last undertook a nuclear construction project, meaning there is limited local expertise in building new reactors.

While Koeberg has personnel with extensive experience in operating an existing nuclear power station, Ramokgopa said the country has far fewer people with direct experience of constructing a nuclear plant from the ground up.

Government therefore plans to work with international partners to develop a new generation of local engineers capable of participating in the nuclear build programme.

The Minister said experience and expertise would be accumulated progressively as South Africa constructs its first, second and subsequent reactors.

Coal and nuclear to form part of energy mix

Ramokgopa also rejected the notion that expanding nuclear power necessarily means abandoning coal-fired generation.

He said coal and nuclear could operate alongside one another as government reviews Eskom’s coal fleet.

Some coal-fired stations could potentially remain operational for longer, while others would be retired, depending on their condition, operating costs and environmental requirements.

Ramokgopa said the case for nuclear expansion was based on its potential to provide dependable, low-carbon and cost-effective electricity.

He said nuclear would therefore form part of a broader strategy to develop sufficient generation capacity, support economic growth and diversify South Africa’s electricity supply.