. Dr D Serfontein (Lecturer: North-West University) stated that nuclear power could indeed reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but its use had raised concerns of cost and safety. Whilst the capital cost of nuclear was double that of coal, the environmental cost was far too low. The Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) from nuclear was less than coal. The worst case nuclear was better profitable than the best case coal in nominal terms. . Mr Christopher Bellingham, Renewable Energy Engineer at juwi Renewable Energies, said there were instances where the LCOE for nuclear energy could go up to R8 per kilowatt hour, including decommissioning. The country used wind and solar energy sources that were far cheaper. If one were to take the same levelised prices for nuclear and add the economic development commitments one would experience an expensive form of electricity. If one took into consideration the tender programme that would have to be initiated, it would have to be an expanded programme in order for nuclear to be viable in the country. . Some members of the public stated that the nuclear plans would lock the country into a high capital cost cycle that would reduce SA's flexibility and responsiveness. The country ought to be aware of what is happening globally. . Members of the public enquired if there is a plan to deal with the high-level cost of radioactive waste, especially as reference had been made to the life-cycle cost of nuclear. . Members of the public questioned the procurement and bidding processes and how they would be financed. . Members of the public opposed to nuclear questioned when they will be afforded the opportunity to present their views and the four entities who presented were pro-nuclear. Some members of the public stated that they are not satisfied at the biased and prejudiced views that had been presented. Members of the committee proposed that another engagement be scheduled to afford all citizens enough time to engage on the matter. Members of the committee pointed out that this is a continuous debate, and Members should allow citizens to engage on matters without taking sides. Members should find solutions for South Africans. . During the coming weeks, the DoE will be holding public hearings on the revised assumptions to be included in the IRP. . According to the DoE, for the next 20 years, of the new power plants that will come to connect to the grid, 42% of the new build will be renewable energy and 14% of electricity generated from nuclear. . According to the DoE, SA is a heavily industrialised economy that need base load. Unless renewable energy is be able to produce base load, the country cannot look solely at renewable energy as an electricity source. Renewable energy was there to serve a particular need; mines could not wait for sun or for windy days to send people underground. The country needs a mix of energy generation. The country does not have adequate hydro resources and is reliant on other countries for this. . Members of the public commented that the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute is a major concern. The Agency should be set-up from a levy on the nuclear energy produced. There is no fund at the moment as there is no staff; and there is also no capacity to create the levy to handle waste. . Other members of the public pointed out that nuclear power proved by far to be the safest energy source. All around the world nuclear power remain the cheapest and the cleanest form of energy. . Members of the committee highlighted that whether people are pro or anti nuclear, they need to ensure they are part of refining the journey. . Prof Ernst Uken, CPUT Energy Institute, cited a report prepared by Finland, a highly regarded country when it comes to the environment. That country recently took a decision to go the nuclear route and was in the process of constructing two nuclear power plants, as solar and wind could not meet the country's electricity demand. . Mr John Walmsley, a physicist said that SA should rid itself of coal generated energy. Secondly, the radioactive waste would be put in a highly insoluble form and would be in highly insoluble containers. These bins were safe and would protect ground water. If the radioactive waste eventually appeared in the ground water and moved slowly through the high integrity bin material, the radiation would have decayed after all those years into negligibly low levels. o Mr Kelvin Kemm, CEO of Nuclear Africa Pty Ltd, said nuclear power had been operating for over 50 years profitably and well. In SA it had been operating for over 25 years without any impact on the environment. The evidence for safety is there. o Since this was the first engagement with regard to nuclear energy, various other engagements will be scheduled by the Committee in future.