Is Nuclear Right for Africa
Post the Fukushima disaster, we saw huge negative coverage and commentary on nuclear as an energy source. Be that as it may, nuclear remains an option to the energy industry challenges that many developing nations, for example, South Africa, are facing right now. Some environmentalists have acceded to the fact that nuclear energy is a viable alternative “green” source of energy but should be explored with great care. In light of South Africa’s rich uranium reserves that provide an abundance of nuclear energy, the South African government views the use of nuclear power as a favourable alternative for meeting the country’s energy demands.
Access to grid electricity in more than half of the African population, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) is a dream. What this actually means is that many in Africa use coal, paraffin and such products for light and heating of their homes. In some countries such as Nigeria, the reliance on a generator is supreme and yet this is a costly source of power. What these challenges highlight is that there is a need for an increase in the generation of electricity in Africa. The one billion people that live in this continent do deserve a reliable, cost effective and clean source of electricity.
The South African government in particular, has resorted to approving the generation of nuclear as a source of electricity, so desperately required by the country. The government of South Africa, has also, through the department of energy, provided for private companies to undertake projects in renewable energy to add to the grid. But the main added source of power generation to coal, is nuclear.
‘Liberating the energy market’ says SA government
South Africa is intent on using nuclear as a source of energy generation. Currently, Koeberg is the only nuclear power station in Africa, according to information sourced from Eskom's website. It has a pressurised water reactor (PWR) design. It boasts the largest turbine generators in the Southern Hemisphere and is the most southerly-situated nuclear power station in the world. Reading more on this station one concludes that through the method used for the power generation at Koeberg, there are some water savings as well, achieved, water that would be used in a coal-fired power station. The consumption of electricity in the country has increased rapidly since the early 80’s.
Delivering his key-note address at a Nuclear Africa Conference in Midrand in March, 2013, the Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said that one of the reasons it is not sustainable for South Africa to remain heavily reliant in coal, is that most of the coal, and therefore the coal fired electricity generation, is clustered in the north eastern part of the country, which results in the requirement for very long high voltage electricity supply lines being necessary to transmit electricity across vast stretches of our country. This scenario is strategically unwise over the longer term,’ asserts Motlanthe. In light of South Africa’s rich uranium reserves that provide an abundance of nuclear energy, the South African government views the use of nuclear power as a favourable alternative for meeting the country’s energy demands.
According to ‘Good Governance Africa's' Andrew Kenny nuclear has special advantages for Africa. It states that the fuel is tiny in mass and lasts long, making it easy to transport. “One tonne of slightly enriched uranium, which could be transported on the back of a small pick-up truck, can produce as much electricity as 150,000 tonnes of coal, for which a 10-tonne truck would have to make 15,000 trips,” adds the website. This means the nuclear power stations, which occupy little space, can be sited close to sources of cooling and centres of demand, relieving the need for long transmission lines. Compared to fossil fuels, nuclear power creates no emissions of carbon dioxide. Compared to renewable energy sources such as wind and sun, nuclear power is much more stable and reliable.
Whilst there are disadvantages and there are other kinder to the environment solutions, nuclear by far, is most reliable and can solve the problems faced by a majority of African countries. World Nuclear Association Nuclear Economics Report states that there are risks that are specific to nuclear plants but that these are those surrounding the management of radioactive waste and used fuel and the liability for nuclear accidents. In comparison to other major existing energy sources for example coal, nuclear power emits no greenhouse gasses, or nitrogen oxide which are primary components of air pollution.
Africa is the fastest growing economy in comparison to the Europe and America. Reliable and efficient electricity supply is significant in maintaining this momentum and growing this continent. Nuclear is the necessary evil and should be made part of the solution in power generation.
Did you know: According to the world nuclear association, nuclear energy is used to generate around 13% of the world's electricity, with almost no greenhouse gas emissions? The Nuclear Energy Institute asserts that nuclear energy is America's largest source of clean-air, carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. The industry's commitment to the environment extends to protecting wildlife and their habitats.
Taken from the www.palacegreenforum.com written by Zanele Mlambo
#Nuclear remains an opportunity for SA, we need to sort our issues out "Four reasons why nuclear is dead beat" http://t.co/zLSJ3JXRCe
— Palace Green Forum (@palaceforum) May 30, 2014