R580 billion for SA coal, nuclear
Eskom will spend R580 billion on expanding electricity capacity over the next five years, according to Mongezi Ntsokolo, group executive for distribution at the power utility.
He emphasised that South Africa will have to rely on coal-fired power stations and nuclear energy for base load power supply in the foreseeable future. “We managed to add some 2 000MW of renewable energy to our national grid,” Ntsokolo said, “but we’ll have to use coal and nuclear for years to come.” He added that Koeberg nuclear power station is the cheapest energy provider of South Africa’s fleet of 25 power stations. It generates reliable power for longer periods and requires a refuelling outage every 18 months. Koeberg will keep going for another 30 years.
“Nuclear energy can contribute significantly to socioeconomic growth in South Africa, plus it’s a clean energy option and a reliable source of base-load power,” Ntsokolo said.
“If we can build a nuclear fleet basis similar to that of the French, it will over the long term provide low-cost energy to South Africa.”
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson said during her budget speech in Parliament last week that significant preparatory work has been done for the deployment of at least 9 600MW of nuclear power by 2030.
NEWS24
He emphasised that South Africa will have to rely on coal-fired power stations and nuclear energy for base load power supply in the foreseeable future. “We managed to add some 2 000MW of renewable energy to our national grid,” Ntsokolo said, “but we’ll have to use coal and nuclear for years to come.” He added that Koeberg nuclear power station is the cheapest energy provider of South Africa’s fleet of 25 power stations. It generates reliable power for longer periods and requires a refuelling outage every 18 months. Koeberg will keep going for another 30 years.
“Nuclear energy can contribute significantly to socioeconomic growth in South Africa, plus it’s a clean energy option and a reliable source of base-load power,” Ntsokolo said.
“If we can build a nuclear fleet basis similar to that of the French, it will over the long term provide low-cost energy to South Africa.”
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson said during her budget speech in Parliament last week that significant preparatory work has been done for the deployment of at least 9 600MW of nuclear power by 2030.
NEWS24
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article