Preparation for construction of Nuclear Power Plants in South Africa has begun in earnest after the department of energy received US $14.80m from the National Treasury for feasibility study putting into consideration the cost, benefits and risks involved.
This allocation comes a year after South Africa faith communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) marked its first anniversary of protest against nuclear plans due to concerns that there might be hidden agenda behind the nuclear programme.
According to the Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene, officials are working in close collaboration with the Department of Energy officials looking at proposals and funding models for the construction of Nuclear Power Plants in South Africa. When it’s appropriate then, it will be included in the budgetary process.
South Africa signed agreements with different countries as it begins its Nuclear Build Programme to develop 9 600 MW of nuclear energy by 2030.
This allocation by the National Treasury is the first allocation ever for such a project and it comes at a time when the country hopes to finalize its vendors for nuclear end of financial year 2016.
The Department of Energy has dismissed cost for nuclear power stations construction to be about US $0.096trn and it together with treasury have not given any total cost for the programme.
The Government of South Africa is in the process of integrating its resource plan to map the countries future energy mix which includes for renewable, coal, gas and nuclear power.
