South African electricity utility Eskom says it is ready to proceed to the next stage of South Africa’s premier nuclear project — the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project — subject to the required statutory approvals being obtained.
These include the nuclear licence and the environmental impact assessment record of decision.
Eskom said in a statement on Friday that the next phase includes the development, construction and commissioning of a PBMR demonstration unit.
The phasing of the overall PBMR project contemplated reaching a milestone where the parties would assess their respective future roles in the subsequent phases of the project.
“We view the PBMR Demonstration Project as a strategic National Demonstration Project with the potential to bring major macro economic, social and strategic benefits for South Africa as a whole.
“Eskom has noted that the PBMR project team has done an excellent job in developing the project to this stage,” said Thulani Gcabashe, Chief Executive of Eskom Holdings.
Eskom also reaffirmed its commitment to purchase the demonstration PBMR unit as well as subsequent PBMR units, subject to the statutory approvals being obtained, and certain conditions, including cost and performance criteria, being met. – I-Net Bridge