The South African government intends to revive the modular nuclear reactor program for electricity generation, according to the country’s Ministry of Energy’s new energy policy plan.
According to Bloomberg, the government-approved plan calls for investments in energy infrastructure totaling 2.23 trillion rand (128 billion dollar) between now and 2042. Ultimately, nuclear and gas power will account for 16% of total generating capacity, compared to the current 3%, stated Energy Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
Meanwhile, the share of coal-fired generation will decrease from 58% to 27%.
This is “the largest investment program of the post-apartheid era and will provide us with the opportunity to achieve energy security”, the minister said. He added, “The trend worldwide is toward a transition to nuclear energy”.
