This will not only ensure greater security and resilience of supply, but also ensure that jobs and business is created at community level. Note must be taken that energy, although clean, is expensive and new nuclear plants will, in all likelihood, overrun on their budgets as well as be prone to delays. Note must also be taken that this government has consistently shown that it is unable to manage coal-fired electricity builds, how then will we fare with more expensive nuclear projects?
The solution lies in getting South Africa's energy mix right and in deploying a greater budget to renewable energy. Besides its renewable energy-friendly climate and geology, South Africa has the land expanse available in which to maximise its foray into this sector. What is required is the political will.
The cost and technology of renewable energy in respect of both photovoltaic and wind energy has dropped considerably but provides challenges in respect of storage of electricity generated.