Nuclear energy vital for success of ocean economy, says minister

THE potential of the Eastern Cape’s ocean economy will come to nothing unless a secure energy supply is established with nuclear playing a leading role, Deputy Energy Minister Thembisile Majola said yesterday.

Speaking at the South African Young Nuclear Professional Society Summit at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay, Majola said it was significant that the event was taking place in the Eastern Cape considering its previous focus on the automotive industry.

“This province has been diversifying into other sectors like infrastructure development, and gearing itself to take advantage of the enormous potential in the ocean economy,” he said.

“But without access to affordable, sustainable and reliable energy, all these positive developments will not be fully realised.”

With this in mind, the government had sought to create an enabling environment that had attracted massive investments in the renewable energy sector and the Eastern Cape was leading the way with wind farms, he said.

“Our country needs to take urgent action to ensure security of energy supply for the country for the next 20 years,” Majola said.

“The Integrated Resource Plan envisages a balanced energy mix with nuclear as an integral part.”

Thyspunt west of Cape St Francis was a possible site for the envisaged new nuclear expansion programme.

“This development will serve as a catalyst for major growth of the economy of the province,” he said.

“To harness and optimise the benefit of this programme, we would require a skilled workforce across a broad spectrum of expertise in various engineering fields and technical and social sciences as well as artisans and technicians.

“This will create massive possibilities for this region to be a hub for research and development, innovation, technology development, training and skills transfer.

“This would be a major boost for local business and employment opportunities.”