Question NW2271 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
07 October 2021 - NW2271
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1).Whether, in light of the mooted decisions by responsible government entities, including Eskom, to procure nuclear energy, the Government and the specified entities have financial resources required to procure nuclear energy, particularly given Eskom’s huge debt and gigantic year losses in the preceding years; if not, why not; if so, what are Eskom’s financial reserves in figures in this regard; (2) whether the Government will step in and inject capital in Eskom for the procurement of nuclear energy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total amount has been set aside for this purpose; (3). What conditions influenced a return to procure nuclear energy, given that not less than five years ago the procurement of nuclear energy was abandoned due to, inter alia, its allegedly unsustainable price tag
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
(1)
Eskom maintains the position that it supports nuclear power, in particular the life extension of Koeberg Power Station. The procurement process is being dealt with by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMRE) in accordance with IRP19. The DMRE should be approached for any further information.
(2) this matter is being dealt with by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMRE) in accordance with IRP19. The IRP makes it clear that additional nuclear power generation will only be added to the electricity mix at a pace and scale that the country can afford .The DMRE should be approached for any further information.
(3) the DMRE is best placed to respond to this.
Eskom is ready to provide support where needed as the operator of nuclear power plants in South Africa, and in accordance with the Nuclear Energy Policy of 2008.