SA reiterates diversified energy mix

© HONGQI ZHANG – 123RF.com

In a statement on Wednesday, 17 August, the minister said the diversified energy mix is in support of government’s programme of economic growth and development.

“Again we must emphasise that there is no ‘nuclear deal’. We remain firmly committed to an above board, fair and transparent procurement process with due regard to the scale, pace and price of the programme,” said the minister.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier in the year, President Jacob Zuma said South Africa plans to introduce 9,600MW of nuclear energy in the next decade, in addition to running Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant in the Western Cape.

On Wednesday, the minister said the department functions within the policy framework of government, and the programmes implemented by the Department of Energy (DoE) seek to respond to these.

“All programmes and interventions by the DoE are premised on approved government decisions as outlined in Energy Policy and the Cabinet-approved Integrated Resource Plan. These include work on all energy sources such as renewable energy, coal, gas and nuclear,” she said.

Ministers and officials within departments do not operate or work outside the framework of agreed government policy.

“We further wish to reiterate that we implement programmes in compliance with the relevant guidelines and legislation, as demonstrated by our highly successfully Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

“There will shortly be announcements on the expedited round for Renewable Energy projects as well as Requests For Proposals (RFP) for the coal and gas IPP projects.”

The RFP, in terms of the decision of Cabinet on 9 December 2015, for the Nuclear New Build Programme will also be released in compliance with the approved Cabinet directive.

“The Ministry of Energy will not be distracted from its mandate and responsibilities to ensure and maintain security of energy supply.”