Some recent articles and letters that have promoted nuclear power claim that it is a reasonable cost option. Are they serious? Are they aware of the track record? The Economist recently celebrated a new power station in Abu Dhabi that was on time and on budget as a remarkable achievement. To quote, "building a nuclear-power plant looks like a terrible business prospect. Of 55 plants under construction, the Global Nuclear Power database reckons almost two-thirds are behind schedule." So when we are fed cost projections on nuclear power in SA, to what extent are these based on fantasies of on-time and on-budget delivery? Are they factoring in the very long-term cost of waste management? Is SA, perhaps using Russian expertise, somehow going to beat the dismal record of more developed economies? Notably, all Russia’s reactors currently under construction are behind schedule. In addition, let’s be aware that if SA goes nuclear, political considerations and opportunities for corruption sh...
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.