Cabinet officially approves nuclear plan
Cape Town - A Government Gazette notice released by the Department of Energy on December 21 has confirmed Cabinet’s decision to move ahead with the 9 600 MW nuclear procurement programme (see here).
This means the department can now call for quotes for the tendering process to begin.
However, the process is far from complete, according to energy expert Chris Yelland. "I believe there is still a long road ahead before commitments can be or are made in the form of contract awards for a nuclear new-build," he tweeted.
He said the process still required a detailed cost/benefit analysis by the Department of Finance, as well as an update to IRP2010-2030 that still needs to be done. "Request for proposals must still commence; shortlisting of vendors and final bids from shortlisted vendors must be recorded."
Russia, China, France and South Korea, Canada and Japan are all vying to win the main nuclear contract, while there are also opportunities for local companies to win contracts for various infrastructure and construction tenders.