NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION 1417
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Energy:
1) Whether, in light of the recent disaster in Japan, Cabinet has taken a
decision on the pursuit of electricity production by means of nuclear
energy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the
relevant details;
2) Whether he has considered economic, health and safety grounds in taking
this decision; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1531E
REPLY
1) Cabinet was apprised of the situation on Fukushima and the decision to
approve the IRP2010 considered the Fukushima accident. The reasons for
the energy mix as proposed in the IRP2010 have not changed due to the
unfortunate accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants. The energy
mix is balanced considering different factors such as the need to reduce
our carbon foot print and provision of reliable and affordable
electricity services to run the economy. However, the country will not
ignore the lessons to be learned from this event. South Africa will
continue to follow the developments in this regard and participate in
different forums established to look into the accident and the subsequent
response actions.
2) Yes, nuclear energy provides the most reliable base-load power after
coal. The design of reactors is the cornerstone of nuclear safety, with
consistent application of the defense-in depth principles, and the
nuclear industry is one of the most regulated as far as safety is
concerned. There is no intention to change the position in the future.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through its conventions
such as Convention on Nuclear Safety, Joint Convention, and Convention on
Early Notification and Assistance Convention ensure nuclear safety,
safety of spent fuel management and radioactive waste management
worldwide and make provision for assistance in the case of a nuclear
accident. South Africa is a member of the IAEA and a contracting party to
these conventions. Safety features of reactors have continued to evolve
towards design basis which have more inherent safety features. The
National Nuclear Regulator is entrusted with the protection of persons,
property and the environment from effects of nuclear damage. The NNR, as
the nuclear safety authority responsible for the siting, design,
construction, operation, manufacture of component parts and
decontamination, decommissioning and closure of nuclear installations
will therefore license future nuclear power plants. [pic]