Over R60 billion needed to bolster SA’s nuclear program: Ramokgopa

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the country will need more than R60 billion to bolster its nuclear program at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation.

He says an initial investment of R1.2 billion will be set aside to fund the project at the facility located outside Pretoria.

The minister was speaking at the 60th anniversary of the country’s first nuclear reactor SAFARI 1.

Ramokgopa says it’s important that the current investment in SAFARI 1 be supplemented with a new Multi-Purpose Reactor beyond 2030.

“We need to invest in a new multipurposed reactor. I’ve made the point that we have made the case to cabinet. In the current budget, R1.2 billion in the medium term (has been allocated) to ensure that we support them. But you need something upwards of R60 billion to achieve the kind of ambition that you want. So that’s why it’s important that we begin to think creatively about how we can partner with the private sector whilst retaining ownership of this technology.”

NECSA commemorates its 60th anniversary: