The South African government’s plans for the construction of a new fleet of nuclear power plants moved forward a step after National utility Eskom received bids from two international consortia.
Both Areva and Westinghouse Electric have submitted bids to construct around 3000 MWe of nuclear capacity that would be operational by 2016. The bids were made in response to Eskom’s Invitation to Negotiate issued in 2007 and are part of the country’s plans to rapidly expand generating capacity.
Areva and Westinghouse have also responded to Eskom’s ‘Fleet’ proposal, which envisions the construction of 20 000 MWe of nuclear capacity in the country by 2025.
Eskom is planning to invest R150 billion in expanding the electricity system in the next five years. The country is currently in the throes of a severe power shortage brought about by rapid economic growth.
Areva has proposed the construction of two European Pressurised Water Reactors as part of a consortium that brings together South African engineering and construction group Aveng, and Bouygues and EDF of France.
Westinghouse has proposed the construction of three AP1000 units. Its response was submitted in cooperation with US Shaw Group and Murray & Roberts Limited of South Africa.
Eskom is planning to more than double its generation capacity to 80 000 MW by 2025, and is investigating the feasibility of constructing around 20 000 MWe of nuclear capacity.
Eskom has already started the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the first round of new nuclear plants, which are expected to have a combined capacity of 3000-3500 MWe. It is considering five potential sites for the plants and anticipates receiving environmental approval from the government by June 2009.
South Africa currently has one nuclear power plant consisting of two 900 MWe pressurised water reactors at Koeberg.
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