The principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) – and internationally renowned nuclear energy expert – Prof Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) proposed recommendation to Cabinet that three possible ownership models to acquire and fund more nuclear projects in SA under the Nuclear New Build Programme (NNBP) be considered.

This follows the Department of Electricity and Energy and Eskom’s briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy on the status of the NNBP as well as the extension of the Koeberg nuclear power plant’s lifespan for 20 years beyond it intended design.

The three most preferable funding models for the NNBP according to the DMRE are one that focusses on public-private partnerships, one where government hold majority ownership and one of full government ownership.

In December 2023, it was announced that South Africa will start producing an additional 2 500MW of nuclear power, but that process has since been put on hold.

“The National Development Plan expressly states that nuclear should be part of our energy supply package, so this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. But it is also a path that should be followed with the necessary oversight structures in place. It is a process in which success will depend on transparency and collaboration between private and public role-players. Our goals are clear, and we cannot allow for unethical infringements to derail this very important endeavour. There is too much at stake and the losses the country has occurred during the past decade and more have had a dire impact on a variety of vital sectors which are the lifeblood of our economic wellbeing. 

“We must also be honest. South Africa’s energy crisis has not subsided due to us experiencing less loadshedding. Eskom cannot tread the country’s energy waters alone, especially considering its current financial constraints, and renewable energy sources is not the only long-term option to keep our country’s economy afloat. The energy resources at our disposal must supplement each other. Our energy dependent puzzle needs all the pieces to fit together, and nuclear is a central piece of the picture,” said Prof Tyobeka.

He concluded by stating: “The NWU, as the only university in South Africa with a nuclear engineering programme, is also excited to hear that such strides are being made. We stand ready to increase our graduate throughput in the nuclear and radiation field, because without a solid homegrown capacity, the Nuclear New Build Programme will be too expensive. Imported skills are paid in euros and dollars, which increases our project costs. Given the private public partnership (PPP) ownership model where ultimately the plant is handed over to the state after a certain period, we must ensure that skilled nuclear scientists, engineers and other allied professionals will be available to carry out this huge undertaking.”