South Africa is pursuing a diversified energy mix that will include both independent power producers and the nuclear build, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Energy Minister announced.
According to Minister Joemat-Pettersson, the diversified energy mix is in support of government’s programme of economic growth and development.
“Again we must emphasize that there is no ‘nuclear deal’,” said Tina Joemat-Pettersson. “We remain firmly committed to an above board, fair and transparent procurement process with due regard to the scale, pace and price of the programme,” she added.
Earlier in the year, according to the State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Jacob Zuma revealed South Africa plans to introduce 9 600MW of nuclear energy in the next decade to back up the current operating Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant in the Western Cape.
South Africa’s Ministry of Energy is working within the policy framework of the government, and the programmes implemented by the Department of Energy (DoE), such that all programmes and interventions by the DoE are premised on approved government decisions as outlined in Energy Policy and the Cabinet approved Integrated Resource Plan which include work on all energy sources such as coal, gas, nuclear and renewable energy.
However, the proposed energy programmes are implemented in compliance with the relevant guidelines and legislation, as demonstrated by the nation’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.
Nevertheless, announcement, will be made on the expedited round for Renewable Energy projects as well as Requests For Proposals (RFP) for the gas and coal IPP projects. In terms of the cabinet’s decision regarding the RFP for the Nuclear New Build Programme will soon be released in compliance with the approved Cabinet directive.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Energy is optimistic that it will not for any reasons be distracted to fulfill its mandate and responsibilities to ensure and maintain security of energy supply.
