Energy at South Africa's Nuclear Energy and Uranium Renaissance
Conference
14 February 2007
Programme director,
Leaders from Nuclear Stakeholder Organisations,
Honourable guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be addressing this important gathering.
This conference occurs just a few days after our President Thabo Mbeki
announced in the State of the Nation Address government's intention to increase
reliance on nuclear power generation.
One of our most important pre-occupations for many governments around the
world is energy security. We all recognise the need to diversify energy supply
by developing advanced, non-polluting, more efficient, affordable and
cost-effective energy technologies, including renewable energy technologies to
meet the rising global demand for energy, particularly in developing countries.
When looking at these alternative energy sources, an increasing number of
countries including South Africa recognise the role that nuclear energy can
play in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
You are all aware that currently the South African electricity generation is
dependent on coal. The over-reliance on coal will need to be reduced
particularly as investment is being made into new national electricity
generation capacity. This reduction will, amongst others, ensure security of
energy supply through diversity as called for in the Energy Policy White Paper.
Investment plans into new electricity generation capacity are currently being
developed by Eskom and elaboration on these will be given as and when the plans
are finalised.
In preparation for the expanded nuclear energy programme, a number of
activities will have to be undertaken. My Department is finalising a Nuclear
Energy and Technology Strategy which will outline a vision for nuclear energy
in South Africa. This will be presented to Cabinet in the next few weeks. A
Nuclear Build Programme of the magnitude that is planned will necessitate an
investment in uranium beneficiation.
South Africa possesses uranium resources enough to fuel such a nuclear
energy programme. Uranium exploration activity currently being undertaken will
confirm this. Government is strongly encouraging the beneficiation of our
minerals resources. It goes without saying that beneficiation of uranium comes
with its own responsibilities and sensitivities and we should pursue this
beneficiation within our national and international obligations.
A nuclear power generation industry of the magnitude that we are planning
requires a shift in the mindset of all role-players in the nuclear sector. We
are going to invest in nuclear research and development as well as nuclear
manufacturing capability. This nuclear manufacturing capacity is currently
being developed by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA).
Nuclear safety is going to be paramount in the pursuit of our objectives. I
therefore would like to call upon the National Nuclear Regulator to strengthen
its capacity to evaluate different technologies. We will also have to
strengthen our state system for accounting and control to ensure continued
compliance with our nuclear non-proliferation obligations as we pursue our
programmes. Subsequent to Cabinet approval, I recently submitted for
ratification the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, which
further demonstrates the country's commitment to the security of nuclear
material.
On the issue of the skills development, we are going to have to be more
systematic and aggressive. The current pace and effort on skills development
will just not be enough. I would like to see sufficient numbers of recent
graduates being deployed in meaningful projects in leadership roles
commensurate with their experience. The twinning of local young talent with
international experts must be designed to accelerate the development of our
youth and must be monitored carefully.
I do not need to emphasise that I will be watching the rate of meaningful
participation of previously disadvantaged South Africans. Last year I launched
the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society and hope that they are
part and parcel of this gathering. I would also expect participation by Women
in Nuclear South Africa (WiNSA) to ensure that empowerment of women becomes
mainstream.
I have looked at the programme of this conference and am encouraged by the
issues that will be discussed. The days of talk shops on nuclear issues amongst
peers are over. You are charged with the responsibility of implementing
Government's programme on nuclear energy to the benefit of all South Africans.
South African companies must position themselves to play a role in this
programme.
I wish you well in your deliberations. Moreover, I am eagerly looking
forward to the outcomes.
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
14 February 2007
Source: Department of Minerals and Energy
