Government urged to delay procurement of new nuclear power generation until after 2030

123rf.com

In its presentation to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) earlier this month, the group submitted its research as part of a public participation process that gave stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the proposed procurement of 2,500MW of new nuclear capacity by Eskom.

The ESRG submission uses previous studies and new modelling to show that new nuclear power is not required to meet future demand – even if the economy experiences robust growth over the next two decades. “The best current information and our own modelling shows that building new nuclear capacity would increase both costs and system risk when compared to other options,” said senior researcher, Bryce McCall.

The authors noted that there is extensive research to show that nuclear power generation is outdated and unsuitable in a modern electricity system and that arguments made about the need for baseload energy from nuclear and coal are no longer relevant. “Nuclear technology is not price-competitive with alternative storage and generation technologies now or in the future, and our modelling reflects that. Nuclear power generation is also not necessary in modern-day electricity systems that are based on multiple, flexible generation and storage options,” he says.

What is it about nuclear energy that its opponents don't want you to know?

Des Muller  15 Feb 2021

In their comments the researchers recommend that instead of preparing to build new nuclear capacity from 2030, Eskom should adopt a more flexible and modular approach to electricity generation. This would reduce the risk associated with technological disruption and the misallocation of capital. Taking a more flexible approach to system expansion would not only reduce risk but also reduce the cost of electricity by allowing the energy system to respond faster and more efficiently to unexpected technological advances.

“It is essential that South Africa secures a reliable electricity supply as quickly as possible and at the lowest cost if we are to unlock the country’s true industrial potential. This is unfeasible with a nuclear build that will take decades to come onstream and is guaranteed to experience severe cost overruns at magnitudes greater than we have seen with other capital-intensive mega-projects, such as Medupi and Kusile.”

Of additional concern is the fact that new nuclear capacity is not included in the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan and the proposed procurement of new nuclear generation is irrational and inconsistent with current energy planning.

“We conclude that we do not agree with the nuclear determination as provided by the Minister and advise Nersa and the government to delay procurement of new nuclear power generation until after 2030,” says McCall.