A feasibility study is currently in progress for the first of a series of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) planned for construction in the Western Cape.
Also read: Premier Alan Winde concerned about refurbishment delays at Koeberg
The study is being conducted by a consortium led by South African venture capitalist André Pienaar’s C5 Capital.
The independent power producer (IPP) aims to secure a licence from the National Nuclear Regulator next year.
Once the study is complete, C5 will initiate formal negotiations with Eskom to make the system operational within three years.
As reported by Moneyweb, the consortium is considering a design proposed by the local nuclear company Stratek Global. This design, based on 25 years of development, is a variation of the pebble-bed modular reactor, originally developed by an Eskom subsidiary before its closure in 2010.
The Stratek design employs helium as a coolant, eliminating the need for proximity to large water sources, a characteristic of conventional reactors. Its fuel is produced locally in ball-shaped units, approximately the size of a cricket ball.
The initial reactor is estimated to cost around R9 billion and will consist of four units, each with a capacity of 80MW. The preferred location for the first reactor is Eskom’s Koeberg site.
The consortium’s long-term objective is to establish a network with a total generation capacity of 1 800MW, equivalent to that of Koeberg. This expansion is intended to strengthen the Western Cape’s grid resilience, particularly in light of ongoing disruptions at Koeberg.
André Pienaar believes that C5’s SMR development plan has the potential to revive the South African nuclear industry, underscoring the suitability of SMRs and microreactors for use in remote mining sites and to supply energy to small cities.
‘The country still has the training programmes as well as an established strong regulatory system.’
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The Koeberg facility has faced consistent delays in refurbishment and extension work, with operating licences for both of its units set to expire in July next year. This has raised concerns about the possibility of an extended shutdown of both of its units.
Pienaar says negotiations with several banks are ongoing and that South Africa’s largest engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company, Lesedi Nuclear, is also engaged in discussions with C5.
Furthermore, he highlights that the Koeberg site has already been approved for the construction of the pebble-bed modular reactor, which would speed up construction time.
While nuclear energy is regarded as a clean, reliable and consistent source of power, the initial costs associated with conventional nuclear projects are often prohibitive, leading to budget overruns and significant construction delays.
In a paper about the current state of global SMR development, Lesedi Nuclear Senior Executive Derik Wolvaardt and Necsa Chair Dave Nichols said that SMRs are a more cost-effective solution because they can be made in factories and then transported to the construction site, which cuts down on the time it takes to build.
Cape {town} Etc reached out to André Pienaar from C5 for further comment but did not receive a response.
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Picture: Eskom