Africa

South Africa To Build New Nuclear Plants

 

 

 

South Africa, battling crippling power blackouts, plans to add 2,500 megawatts of new nuclear generation, the government announced Tuesday.

The country has Africa’s only nuclear power station but the Koeberg plant near Cape Town is currently only working at half capacity.

The first of the new units will probably come on stream in 2032 or 2033, Zizamele Mbambo, the energy ministry’s deputy director general of nuclear power, told a press briefing.

He said South Africa had already asked “different vendors” for proposals.

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the extra 2,500MW of extra nuclear power would be “a significant milestone”.

He added that it would be part of the government action to “ending the existential challenge that is confronting the country” over power shortages and long term energy security.

Rotating power cuts of up to 12 hours a day over the past 15 years have badly hit the economy and the government’s reputation as it heads into an election next year.

National power company Eskom has been tainted by corruption and maintenance problems that have led to the power cuts.

In a bid to extend the life of the Koeberg plant by 20 years, one unit was closed for nearly a year and the second unit was shut down for maintenance this week.

Nebianet Usaini

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
Nebianet Usaini

Recent Posts

Good Friday: Obaseki Tasks Christians On Sacrifice, Tolerance

He noted, “I celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters as we mark Good Friday,…

4 mins ago

Governor Otu Felicitates Tinubu At 72

Wishing the president god's protection, good health and long life, the governor said: "I want…

20 mins ago

Evan Gershkovich: Determined US Reporter Jailed In Russia

His arrest in March 2023 on charges of spying -- the first such charge against…

33 mins ago

Calls For ‘Smartphone Free’ Childhood Grow In UK

The post in February triggered a tidal wave of reaction from parents similarly gripped by…

43 mins ago

Do Not Denigrate Nigeria In Your Sermons, Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective…

8 hours ago

Soldiers’ Death: Wanted Delta Monarch Turns Self In

Before he turned himself in to the police, the monarch spoke to journalists, insisting on…

10 hours ago