December 28, 2015 – South Africa has put machinery in motion that would enable it to build nuclear power plants to boost power supply in South Africa.
If proposal for nuclear power sales through, that would see South Africa inject additional 9,500 megawatts into the system. State-run energy company, ESKOM, has a generating capacity of 35 200 MW from 20 power stations, mostly based on coal.
SA’s Department of Energy said cabinet in November gave the green light to issue a request for proposals from the nuclear industry after necessary approvals.
In October, Treasury set aside R200 million to build more nuclear power stations.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has said his office would ensure that South Africa stuck to fiscal prudence, including deals relating to building nuclear power stations.