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South Africa to Have More Nuclear Power Plants top Meet Energy Crisis

December 13, 2023

(4 Minutes Read)

The government announced that it had launched discussions with several potential suppliers for the acquisition of new production units. These could be conventional reactors or small modular reactors, which are less powerful and less costly. Experts feel that the first reactors will be in service by 2032-33.

In a significant development, South Africa has announced its nuclear policy to address its crippling power supply. The second most industrialized country in the continent is planning to up its nuclear power production, despite the likely resistance from environmental activists.

South Africa has only one nuclear power plant, the only one on the continent. But the Koeberg plant, near Cape Town, is only operating at half capacity. The government announced that it had launched discussions with several potential suppliers for the acquisition of new production units. These could be conventional reactors or small modular reactors, which are less powerful and less costly. Experts feel that the first reactors will be in service by 2032-2033.

Over the past 15 years, power cuts of up to 12 hours a day have severely affected the economy and fuelled anger against the country’s historic ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), with elections due next year. The ANC could fall below the 50% mark, according to the polls, and lose its absolute majority in parliament for the first time.

Power cuts of up to 12 hours a day have severely affected the economy leading to anger against the country’s historic ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), as elections are scheduled for next year. One unit at the Koeberg nuclear power plant was shut down for almost a year to extend the site’s lifespan by 20 years and the second unit was shut down this week for maintenance.

People across South Africa are grappling with a scorching heatwave sweeping across the country. Local weather experts have issued a warning that the intense heat is likely to persist for more months. Local authorities have advised people to avoid direct sun exposure between 11:00 and 15:00.

Residents in Johannesburg, are worst hit, particularly those who stay in makeshift dwellings and shacks. They complain about health problems like rashes and fatigue on account of keeping off from sleep days together because of the extreme heat. Children cannot go to school. The elderly, children, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable.