Sub-Saharan Africa
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South Africa Reportedly Plans to Procure Nuclear Energy to Tackle Energy Crisis

South Africa is currently experiencing an energy crisis that is threatening to the country's economic stability and has led to frequent and extended power outages, which were implemented as a preventative measure to avoid a complete breakdown of the national power grid. The situation, however, has been improving.
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South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, stated that the government is acquiring additional energy sources, including nuclear and gas, to guarantee energy security, the local media reported.
Ramokgopa announced that this year the government will initiate the procurement of 2,500 MW of nuclear energy, convert diesel open cycle gas turbines to gas (which will bring 3,000 MW), and implement the rollout of solar photovoltaic with battery storage (4,000 MW), according to the media. These projects will provide essential energy.

“Based on the 2019 IRP [Integrated Resource Plan] government will in 2024 will commence the procurement of: 2,500 MW nuclear energy,” said Ramokgopa, reportedly answering a written parliamentary question.

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The minister also elaborated on the government’s energy plans. Thus, the energy action plan outlines the government's immediate and medium-term goals to ensure the country's energy security, which also seeks private sector investment in renewable energy initiatives.

Furthermore, the government plans to invest about R400 billion (approx. $20.8 billion) in upgrading 14,000 kilometers of transmission lines across the country.

Ramokgopa stated in a media briefing on Monday that the money was found, and the government is working on accessing it to fund the grid expansion.
The minister also pointed out that the country managed to reduce load shedding by 600 hours calling it a "milestone" because it means that the country is "heading in the right direction."
In December of last year, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the nation that "far-reaching measures" were being taken to mitigate the severity of load shedding, underscoring, however, the necessity of broadening intervention efforts in order to ultimately eliminate the energy crisis.