By Phenyo Selinda
South Africa is ramping up its focus on nuclear energy as a critical component of its energy mix, with Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity, Samantha Graham-Maré, emphasising the global recognition of nuclear power’s role in tackling climate change. Speaking at a Nuclear Seminar hosted by the Department of Energy in Tshwane, Graham-Maré noted that nuclear energy must form part of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, a strategic move aimed at balancing energy security with decarbonisation goals.
“There is global acceptance of nuclear energy as an integral part of the solution to mitigate the impact of climate change. We therefore need to work together to ensure that nuclear energy becomes an important part of the Just Energy Transition,” said the Deputy Minister. She outlined how nuclear power, with its low-carbon output and reliability, could help address the country’s persistent energy crisis while reducing its reliance on fossil fuels .
Aligning with the Integrated Resource Plan
South Africa’s commitment to nuclear energy is reflected in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019, which stipulates that 2,500 MW of nuclear power should be incorporated into the national grid. The Deputy Minister also revealed that the IRP 2023 will refine these targets, ensuring that nuclear remains a focal point for stabilising the energy grid, which is vital to spurring economic growth and job creation .
Nuclear energy is expected to complement renewable sources like solar and wind, providing a consistent energy supply that mitigates the variability inherent in renewable power generation. This mix of energy sources, as per the Just Energy Transition framework, is aimed at ensuring a sustainable and stable energy future for South Africa .
Changing the Public Perception of Nuclear Energy
One of the main challenges, Graham-Maré noted, is addressing the public’s longstanding misconceptions about nuclear energy. She acknowledged that the sector still suffers from a stigma, largely due to historical fears of nuclear disasters and negative associations with secrecy during the Cold War era. However, she stressed that modern nuclear energy is safe, transparent, and essential to the country’s future energy strategy .
“We must work collectively to change these perceptions,” she said. The seminar, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors of the nuclear industry, marks the beginning of what the government hopes will be a broader dialogue about nuclear energy’s benefits .
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