That base-load electricity needs to be fuel-based is hollow rhetoric
The need for a democratic process to determine our energy development pathway has never been clearer, writes Richard Worthington
Now that the Western Cape High Court has overturned the ministerial determination to procure a new nuclear industry and averted a back-door deal with the Russians, through a detailed ruling delivered on March 26, the merits of nuclear power will have to be decided through the formal energy planning process. The court not only found that the secretive agreement with Russia should have been tabled for debate in Parliament, but also stipulated that the national regulator will have to hold public hearings to consider whether to consent to any new ministerial determination on nuclear procurement. The determination ruled unlawful had been mandated in terms of the IRP2010 — the Integrated Resource Plan formally promulgated in early 2011, following the most transparent energy planning process yet achieved in SA. The mandated plan for new generation, as a result of being "policy-adjusted", provides for a lot of nuclear power and remains the basis for electricity supply determinations until a...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.