On 14 December 2016, the Minister of Energy, in consultation with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), published the Department of Energy’s determination notice for the Nuclear New Build Programme (Nuclear Programme). The Minister announced that 9 600MW of energy capacity should be procured and generated from nuclear energy under the Nuclear Programme.
This determination replaces the determination which was gazetted at the end of 2015. Notably, the procuring agency of the nuclear build programme will be Eskom or its subsidiaries and not the Department of Energy as previously envisaged and as contemplated in the various renewable energy programmes.
We also understand from media briefings by Eskom’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Matshela Koko, that the Department of Energy will be releasing the nuclear build request for proposals (RFP) this week. The RFP will provide for private sector participation.
