Nuclear energy
SA kicks off preparations for nuclear build programme
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has published the Request for Information process to start preparations for a nuclear build programme of 2,500...
Government wants to supplement its power capacity because of problems at state-owned power utility Eskom’s fleet of coal-fired power plants, some of which will be decommissioned over the next two decades.
The activists said they would approach the courts if the minister tried to procure nuclear power or request information from nuclear vendors without following proper regulatory processes and seeking input from the public.
Parliament’s mineral resources and energy oversight committee was told on Thursday that work on a roadmap for a new nuclear build programme would start soon.
The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected a ballistic missile early Wednesday fired around 450 kilometres in an easterly direction at a maximum altitude of 910 kilometres.
On Tuesday, the minister delivered the budget for mineral resources, which forms part of the reconfigured department which now includes energy.
In it, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan says former President Jacob Zuma was insistent the country needed to enter into a nuclear deal.
Briefing Parliament's energy committee on Tuesday, Energy Minister Jeff Radebe also pointed out that the cost of renewable energy technology has also come down.
According to the new draft IRP, renewables will be the key focus in the coming years, but coal power will still contribute more than 65% of energy volumes by 2030.
Deputy President David Mabuza says his visit to Russia at was primarily to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was speaking as Tehran marked National Nuclear Technology Day.
Speaking ahead tabling the budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba says while nuclear power remains in the energy mix, it is not a priority right now.
Eskom says it cannot comment on any nuclear plans as it is not a policymaker but merely an implementing agency.
Necsa chair Kelvin Kemm says it's a misconception that a ruling by the Western Cape High Court setting aside five cooperation agreements puts the brakes on the nuclear build programme.
Necsa chair Kelvin Kemm says South Africa is already a world leader in the development of nuclear materials.
The DA has warned it's closely watching the process David Mahlobo is following to fast-track government's nuclear build programme.
The party says its clear Mahlobo was appointed to make sure the nuclear deal would be pushed through.
The City Press is reporting that while the energy deal was set to be finalised in February 2018, it will now be completed in the next two weeks.
Jacob Zuma says there's no disagreement on government's stance on nuclear energy and it's all a question of timing.