The National Nuclear Regulator on November 23 and 24 hosted public hearings into the Thyspunt nuclear installation site licence application made by power utility Eskom, during which the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) highlighted its support for the installation.
The corporation said a nuclear power project could contribute to the country’s security of electricity supply at a low cost and provide stable employment over the lifetime of the plant.
Additionally, Necsa explained in a statement that nuclear energy contributes to lower greenhouse-gas emissions.
It highlighted that the Koeberg nuclear power station has been operating “efficiently since it was commissioned in 1985”.
Additionally, Necsa said the build of a 4 000 MW plant at a total project cost of R200-billion means at least 20% can be spent in the area – the Eastern Cape, where poverty and unemployment are rife.
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