Creator
Hartmut Winkler
A lifelong academic who served stints as Dean of Science and acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the former Vista University in South Africa and was until recently the Head of Physics at the University of Johannesburg. Research interests range from astrophysics through to atmospheric physics, solar energy and energy supply. A vocal commentator on South African energy issues, especially the renewables versus nuclear debate.
East African countries going for nuclear – why it’s a bad idea
Choosing the nuclear path carries several risks including being one of the most expensive forms of electricity generation
SA’s nuclear sector has failed its test: The Koeberg life extension
South Africa’s only nuclear power plant, Koeberg, has frequently been in the news in 2022, all for the wrong reasons.
Why South Africa’s electricity blackouts are set to continue for the next five years
South Africa is once more experiencing periodic power cuts. These typically take the form of scheduled supply interruptions, for two to four hours a day, whenever the country’s…
Why nuclear power for African countries doesn’t make sense
Are there cheaper alternatives to nuclear power to alleviate energy shortages in Africa?
Eskom should boost its output of in-house renewables
Pressing ahead with coal and nuclear power generation projects has come at a huge and unsustainable cost – to both Eskom and the country
Why decommissioning Koeberg nuclear plant won’t be easy
For South Africa decommissioning its nuclear plant Koeberg is a reality that cannot be ignored much longer
Zuma’s last ditch effort to ram through a nuclear power deal
President Jacob Zuma’s efforts to promote his unpopular nuclear project are weakening him politically but he still seems keen to pursue it.
Fears mount over true motivations for SA’s planned nuclear deal
The decision on whether to proceed with the nuclear plan is destined to become the defining moment of the Jacob Zuma presidency.
SA’s developing solar energy landscape explained
Solar power has a key piece to play as South Africa continues to assemble its large energy puzzle.
Why South Africa should not build eight new nuclear power stations
South Africa has plans to build new power stations despite many calling for no nuclear energy in the country.