9 600 megawatts to be added to the national grid through nuclear power
The nuclear power capacity will help Eskom keep the lights on.
Is nuclear power the answer to Eskom’s problems?
It has been reported that the South African government is planning to add 9,600 megawatts of nuclear power capacity to the national grid.
This would be equal to nearly a quarter of the current capacity.
The Presidency said in a recent statement that the government will now launch a procurement process to build the new plants.
The statement went on to say that presentations of what other countries can offer South Africa in terms of nuclear technology have been concluded.
Eskom has been scrambling to keep the lights on, with demand for electricity threatening to outstrip supply.
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.
Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said, “The nuclear new build programme will create massive infrastructure development, thus stimulating the economy and enabling the country to create thousands of high quality jobs.”
Maharaj said that the government will now design and launch a procurement process.
“Government 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.”
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