South Africa, which is economically devastated by a severe electricity problem and frequent power outages, aims to enhance its nuclear power production, which is currently minor, according to the government’s announcement on Tuesday.
Africa’s foremost industrial power currently has only one nuclear power plant, the continent’s sole one. However, the Koeberg facility, located near Cape Town, is just half full.
The government said on Tuesday that it has begun talks with “several potential suppliers” about acquiring new industrial units. These could be traditional reactors or compact modular reactors, which are less powerful but less expensive.
Zizamele Mbambo, director of nuclear power at the Ministry of Energy, stated at a news conference that he hoped to see the first reactors in operation by 2032-2033.
“An important milestone”, stressed Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, which should bring an additional 2,500 MW of electricity generation capacity.
Power outages lasting up to 12 hours a day have harmed the economy and fueled resentment of the country’s historic ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), ahead of elections next year.
According to polls, the ANC may fall below 50% and lose its absolute majority in parliament for the first time.
Power outages lasting up to 12 hours a day have harmed the economy and fueled resentment of the country’s historic ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), as elections are set for next year.
According to polls, the ANC may fall below 50% and lose its absolute majority in parliament for the first time.
Eskom, the state-owned power corporation, is unable to generate enough electricity for the country due to years of mismanagement and corruption under President Jacob Zuma (2009-2018).
To extend the site’s lifespan by 20 years, one unit of the Koeberg nuclear power station was shut down for over a year. The second unit was shut down for repairs this week.
