NECSA WELCOMES AND CONGRATULATES MINISTER GWEDE MANTASHE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY ON RELEASING THE 2500MW REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.

16 June 2020

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) welcomes the 2,500 MW Nuclear New Build Request For Information (RFI) published by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), on 14th June 2020. 

The Integrated Resource Plan promulgated in 2019 clearly stipulates that South Africa will start preparatory work for deployment of 2,500 MW nuclear power as part of ensuring energy supply security, at a pace and scale the country can afford. It is important for government to understand the skills and expertise of available Nuclear Power Plant vendors and technologies. South Africa is currently reliant on Koeberg nuclear power plant in the Western Cape which has successfully operated for over thirty five years and is now undergoing a life extension programme to operate until 2045. 

Mr. David Nicholls, Chairperson of Necsa Board of Directors congratulated Minister Gwede Mantashe and the DMRE on this positive development for the nuclear sector. “The RFI allows the government to gain a deeper understanding of how much it will cost to deploy 2500MW of nuclear technology. The various options for funding and ownership will indicate how this could meet the objective of being at a pace and scale the country can reasonably afford. The issues raised in the previous IRP debates for nuclear relate to the realistic costing, funding and ownership model adopted and this RFI should assist in resolving some of the uncertainty”, he said. “As this is only a Request for Information, with no financial or contractual impact, it is the best way to move the debate forward”, he added.

The Nuclear Energy Act of 2008 commits towards ensuring that the nuclear new build programme will contribute towards the economic growth of South Africa in terms of the infrastructure, expertise and skills in the country. Mr. Ayanda Myoli, Necsa Acting Group Chief Executive Officer added that “Necsa is ready to offer its technical support and expertise to DMRE and the country in the realization of the nuclear power expansion programme. There is also our Division, Pelindaba Enterprises, for example, which has been the only ASME III accredited facility in Africa (before Egypt recently acquired the accreditation). It could play a critical role in localization and industrialization of an expanded nuclear programme through its capabilities to design, manufacture and supply nuclear grade components.”

South Africa is globally renowned for its nuclear expertise and over fifty years of experience in operating nuclear facilities with a good safety record. Necsa is well positioned in supporting government to ensure that the nuclear new build programme meets its key objectives of security of electricity supply whilst also contributing to economic growth in the country. 

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms Nikelwa Tengimfene

General Manager: Corporate Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Group South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Limited (Necsa) 

Tel: +27 12 305 4454

Cell: +82574 5495

E-mail: nikelwa.tengimfene@necsa.co.za

Web: www.necsa.co.za