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14 February 2007

Programme director,
Leaders from Nuclear Stakeholder Organisations,
Honourable guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is indeed a pleasure for me to be addressing this important gathering. This conference occurs just a few days after our President Thabo Mbeki announced in the State of the Nation Address government's intention to increase reliance on nuclear power generation.

One of our most important pre-occupations for many governments around the world is energy security. We all recognise the need to diversify energy supply by developing advanced, non-polluting, more efficient, affordable and cost-effective energy technologies, including renewable energy technologies to meet the rising global demand for energy, particularly in developing countries. When looking at these alternative energy sources, an increasing number of countries including South Africa recognise the role that nuclear energy can play in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

You are all aware that currently the South African electricity generation is dependent on coal. The over-reliance on coal will need to be reduced particularly as investment is being made into new national electricity generation capacity. This reduction will, amongst others, ensure security of energy supply through diversity as called for in the Energy Policy White Paper. Investment plans into new electricity generation capacity are currently being developed by Eskom and elaboration on these will be given as and when the plans are finalised.

In preparation for the expanded nuclear energy programme, a number of activities will have to be undertaken. My Department is finalising a Nuclear Energy and Technology Strategy which will outline a vision for nuclear energy in South Africa. This will be presented to Cabinet in the next few weeks. A Nuclear Build Programme of the magnitude that is planned will necessitate an investment in uranium beneficiation.

South Africa possesses uranium resources enough to fuel such a nuclear energy programme. Uranium exploration activity currently being undertaken will confirm this. Government is strongly encouraging the beneficiation of our minerals resources. It goes without saying that beneficiation of uranium comes with its own responsibilities and sensitivities and we should pursue this beneficiation within our national and international obligations.

A nuclear power generation industry of the magnitude that we are planning requires a shift in the mindset of all role-players in the nuclear sector. We are going to invest in nuclear research and development as well as nuclear manufacturing capability. This nuclear manufacturing capacity is currently being developed by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA).

Nuclear safety is going to be paramount in the pursuit of our objectives. I therefore would like to call upon the National Nuclear Regulator to strengthen its capacity to evaluate different technologies. We will also have to strengthen our state system for accounting and control to ensure continued compliance with our nuclear non-proliferation obligations as we pursue our programmes. Subsequent to Cabinet approval, I recently submitted for ratification the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, which further demonstrates the country's commitment to the security of nuclear material.

On the issue of the skills development, we are going to have to be more systematic and aggressive. The current pace and effort on skills development will just not be enough. I would like to see sufficient numbers of recent graduates being deployed in meaningful projects in leadership roles commensurate with their experience. The twinning of local young talent with international experts must be designed to accelerate the development of our youth and must be monitored carefully.

I do not need to emphasise that I will be watching the rate of meaningful participation of previously disadvantaged South Africans. Last year I launched the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society and hope that they are part and parcel of this gathering. I would also expect participation by Women in Nuclear South Africa (WiNSA) to ensure that empowerment of women becomes mainstream.

I have looked at the programme of this conference and am encouraged by the issues that will be discussed. The days of talk shops on nuclear issues amongst peers are over. You are charged with the responsibility of implementing Government's programme on nuclear energy to the benefit of all South Africans. South African companies must position themselves to play a role in this programme.

I wish you well in your deliberations. Moreover, I am eagerly looking forward to the outcomes.

I thank you

Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
14 February 2007
Source: Department of Minerals and Energy