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South Africa has paused its plans to initiate the procurement of a new nuclear power plant for now in order to facilitate the need for enhanced public consultation. This decision, announced by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, follows concerns over insufficient public involvement in the process.
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| Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Cape Town, South Africa. It is the only operational nuclear power station in Africa. It has a capacity of around 1,900 megawatts, accounting for roughly 5% of the electricity generated by Eskom. South Africa's government has delayed plans for a new nuclear power station due to procedural concerns. |
Minister Ramokgopa retracted the gazette for the Section 34 determination to procure 2,500 MW of nuclear energy after issues were raised about inadequate public participation during the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) evaluation.
The government initially planned to request bids for the additional nuclear power capacity, but the Democratic Alliance (DA) and two NGOs—the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute and Earthlife Africa Johannesburg—mounted legal challenges, with a court hearing set for October 2024.
The DA expressed elation with the suspension, stating, "We view this withdrawal as a significant step in ensuring that public voices are considered in decisions of this magnitude. It represents an important win for the rule of law and the principles of transparency."
The DA has since become part of a coalition governing South Africa following the African National Congress's (ANC) loss of a majority in the May elections.
Officials will revise a report addressing NERSA's conditions for supporting the procurement and will engage the public anew.
Minister Ramokgopa stressed that expanding nuclear capacity remains a goal, but it must proceed at a sustainable pace and scale.
"Nuclear is part of the future, but it's important that as we go out and procure, the procurement process must be able to stand the test of time," he stated.
The procurement process may be delayed by three to six months, with the minister asserting that the plans are not abandoned. "Nuclear is government policy, so it will happen," he affirmed.
South Africa's ongoing power crisis, exacerbated by rolling blackouts and reliance on aging coal-fired stations has necessitated the discourse for a new nuclear plant amid the shift to less carbon-intensive energy sources.
Public skepticism persists due to a failed 9,600 MW deal with Russia during Jacob Zuma's presidency and fears of nuclear energy's potential dangers, influenced by historical disasters like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. Concerns also include the high costs of nuclear power and the lasting issue of nuclear waste.
Some argue for investment in renewable sources like wind and solar. However, proponents believe nuclear energy offers a viable solution for South Africa and the broader African continent, where electricity access remains limited.
(with news agencies)
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