Committee to monitor nuclear programme (14 November 2011)
The high-level National Nuclear Energy Executive Co-ordination Committee that the Cabinet approved last week is meant to monitor the planned nuclear expansion programme, according to the Department of Energy
SISEKO NJOBENI
Published: 2011/11/14 08:36:58 AM
THE high-level National Nuclear Energy Executive Co-ordination Committee that the Cabinet approved last week is meant to monitor the planned nuclear expansion programme, according to the Department of Energy.
Given its size, the mooted nuclear programme’s implementation is likely to come under the glare of spotlight. The nuclear programme is estimated at R400bn.
This could be a move by the government to introduce its own checks and balances during the implementation of the ambitious programme. The programme will be one of the largest capital investment programmes in SA.
The Cabinet last week approved the establishment of the committee "to implement a phased decision- making approach to the nuclear programme. Cabinet also approved the establishment of the nuclear energy technical committee to support the National Nuclear Energy Executive Co-ordination Committee." In a statement last week, the department said the committee was established to lead the decision-making, and to monitor and ensure general oversight of nuclear energy expansion.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe would chair the National Nuclear Energy Executive Co-ordination Committee. Its other members will be Energy Minister Dipuo Peters (deputy chairwoman), Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies , Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor , Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande and Planning Minister Trevor Manuel.
The Department of Energy said the nuclear energy technical committee would be made up of the various departments headed by the ministers who are part of the National Nuclear Energy Executive Co-ordination Committee.
The integrated resource plan (IRP2010) proposes the production of 9600MW of nuclear power in the period up to 2030. IRP2010 will direct the expansion of electricity supply and demand initiatives in the period up to 2030.
But the move towards nuclear power has come up against opposition, mainly from environmental groupings. The World Wide Fund for Nature believes SA should not opt for nuclear power, despite its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, because it is inherently unsafe, will drain funds from the development of renewable energy sources and does not create incentives to save energy.
The roll-out of the nuclear programme is one of the most anticipated aspects of the IRP2010. So far the government has played its cards close to the chest. In September, Ms Peters said she had signed off a proposal on the programme and it was likely to go to the Cabinet soon. She has said the bidding process for the programme could start next year.
njobenis@bdfm.co.za
Business Day
14 November 2011