Author Archives: charscribe

Where did the R1bn compensation claim paid by Eskom go?

Posted on by charscribe

Eskom has been ordered by the Western Cape High Court to pay a R1 billion compensation claim to Framatome, the supplier for the Steam Generator Replacement (SGR) project at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. This costly consequence stems from a January 2022 decision by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) to approve the SGR project, despite Eskom’s failure to complete a building for the safe storage of the old, highly radioactive steam generators. 

The R1 billion, if paid, could potentially be shared between Framatome, Lesedi (the local contractor) and various subcontractors such as multinational engineering firm, Asea Brown Boveri (ABB). 

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Civil society responds to draft IRP: Nuclear push is costly, risky and unjust

Posted on by charscribe
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Civil society organisations have joined growing criticism of the Department of Electricity and Energy’s proposed expansion of nuclear energy in the recently released draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), raising concerns about its financial viability and even its legality.

Summary of the draft IRP

Released in January 2025, the draft IRP’s purpose is to provide a roadmap for meeting South Africa’s forecasted electricity demand and was originally prepared under Minister Mantashe in the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy but the responsibility has since been handed over to the new Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

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Koeberg: Intermittent and unpredictable

Posted on by charscribe

Koeberg nuclear power station was recently unexpectedly offline for over a week owing to multiple trips at the facility which eventually, combined with a high level of unplanned outages at other plants and finally issues at Kusile, resulted in stage 3 load shedding. Koeberg has come under renewed scrutiny for its inconsistent power generation.

Eskom’s media statement released on Monday, 10 March 2025, was titled: “Koeberg Unit 2 successfully restored to service following unplanned outage, delivering 930MW of reliable baseload power to South Africa” but energy experts and civil society organisations refute the “reliable baseload” statement.

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Civil society pushes for community inclusion in nuclear governance

Posted on by charscribe

Civil society organisations working in the areas of energy, climate, and sustainable development have called on the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, to initiate an open call for nominations to appoint a much-needed community representative to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) board.

“The position has been vacant for over three years,” says youth activist Gabriel Klaasen. “In that time, critical decisions about Koeberg and new nuclear generation have been made without any representation from affected communities on the NNR board. This contradicts the Minister’s stated commitment to meaningful and fully informed public participation in the energy sector.”

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Proposed nuclear build outside Cape Town – public participation meetings

Posted on by charscribe

The government is asking the South African public for their input on the proposed nuclear build 30km outside Cape Town in a series of public meetings. These meetings are always attended by the few pro-nuclear stakeholders and it is important that the public also attend to share their concerns about safety, costs and environmental issues.

When?

Melkbosstrand: 18:00, 12 October 2015
Atlantic Beach Golf club

Kenliworth: 18:00, 13 October 2015
Kenilworth Community Presbyterian Church

Is it really worthwhile attending?

Yes! South Africa has an excellent constitution and powerful laws Continue reading →