Soundbite by Kevin Mileham MP
Yesterday, Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, presented an updated nuclear programme that is simply out of reach for South Africa. We cannot afford it, nor will it fix the shortfalls we face today.
The DA, in principle, is not against a nuclear programme, but the ANC’s track record on nuclear programmes has been disastrous. The Koeberg Nuclear Energy Plant is case in point. In 2010, Eskom set out plans to extend its lifespan by 20 years at a cost of R20 billion. The Department has not adjusted the R20 billion figure for inflation and countless delays. It is therefore likely much higher.
While both Units 1 & 2 are online, the DA remains deeply concerned that Unit 2’s licencing was not subject to a physical test but rather ‘paper justification’ based on the testing of unit 1.
The Minister also touted plans for small nuclear modular reactors, which South Africa at the earliest, can only begin to examine in 2035 due to the level of preparations and technology required.
The DA calls on Ramokgopa to level with South Africans and focus on immediate concerns:
- He must release the updated costing for Koeberg, accounting for delays and penalties, and not hide behind costs 15 years old,
- He must bring the public into confidence that the licencing of Koeberg’s Unit 2 was above board and not a shoe in, to avoid public scrutiny,
- He must provide a concrete plan on the R400bn required to expand our grid,
- In diversifying our grid to welcome independent producers, he must also ensure that Eskom has a level hand as other players.
South Africans face an energy crisis today, compounded load reduction and an Eskom-NERSA monopoly bankrupting consumers. Rather than sell pipedreams, the Minister must live in today’s reality.