Is nuclear power the answer to Eskom’s problems?<\/p>\n
It has been reported that the South African government is planning to add 9,600 megawatts of nuclear power capacity to the national grid.<\/p>
This would be equal to nearly a quarter of the current capacity.<\/p>\n
The Presidency said in a recent statement that the government will now launch a procurement process to build the new plants.<\/p>
The statement went on to say that presentations of what other countries can offer South Africa in terms of nuclear technology have been concluded.<\/p>\n
Eskom has been scrambling to keep the lights on, with demand for electricity threatening to outstrip supply.<\/p>\n
The company has been battling with limited generating capacity, problems at a number of its power stations as well as a shortage of diesel supplies.<\/p>\n
Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said, \u201cThe nuclear new build programme will create massive infrastructure development, thus stimulating the economy and enabling the country to create thousands of high quality jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maharaj said that the government will now design and launch a procurement process.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment remains committed to ensuring energy security for the country through the roll-out of new nuclear-built programmes as an integral part of the energy mix.”<\/p>\n
How do you\u00a0 feel about nuclear power?<\/p>\n