The future of our energy

Last week I attended the government’s Energy Indaba in Midrand and heard President Jacob Zuma and his ministers outlining SA’s energy policy. The Indaba was extremely boring. Everything was at least an hour late, politicians made long, tedious speeches and spokespersons for energy interests were mainly banal.

Hostile questions were smothered in politeness and promises to investigate. The purpose was to consult the public over energy but actually it was to rubber stamp a policy already decided on by government. As such it was a success.

Zuma was probably the best speaker, and the only one to keep within his allotted time. He was confident and cheerful. He spoke slowly and clearly. He said he was greatly looking forward to handing over leadership of the ANC next week and wanted a seamless transition to the new leader, whoever he or she might be.

He praised our various energy technologies, including oil, gas, renewables and nuclear, and told of their high achievements, including Sasol, REIPPPP (the renewable electricity programme), Safari (the reactor making medical radioisotopes) and Koeberg’s recent record of uninterrupted power. He made no startling announcements.

The government has signed off the latest IRP (Integrated Resources Plan). This is a silly but legally binding plan for SA’s future electricity supply up to 2030. The new plan has not yet been made public but the rumour is that it will be much the same as the existing one, with places for all energy technologies. The nuclear portion might be reduced from 9 600 mW – but there is no chance of building so much by 2030.

Unfortunately, Eskom, instructed by the government, has agreed to sign outstanding REIPPPP contracts. The renewable programme has so far proved to be an expensive failure, with Eskom being forced to buy very expensive, unreliable solar and wind electricity in rigid 20-year Power Purchase Agreements. Naturally, Eskom just passes on the enormous, costly burden of REIPPPP electricity to the long-suffering SA public in the form of ever increasing electricity prices.

Nuclear, safe, reliable and affordable, is by far the best source of the extra electricity we shall soon need. It looks as if the first new nuclear power will be two new units at Koeberg. This would be sensible.