South Africa seeks way for nuclear plant

South Africa’s Energy ministry has began consultations with industry on preparations for a proposed 2,500 megawatt nuclear power plant building programme, which has faced opposition from environmental campaigners.

The country wants to supplement its power capacity because of problems at state utility Eskom’s fleet of coal-fired power plants, some of which will be decommissioned over the next two decades.

The ministry aims to use the consultation process to get some idea of the cost, possible ownership structures and sustainability of the nuclear programme.