Johannesburg, South Africa – Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane has urged South Africa to “move with pace” in its nuclear energy plans to stay competitive with global advancements.
Marokane addressed stakeholders at the Nuclear Seminar hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Electricity on Thursday. He emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in achieving the country’s strategic objectives and reducing carbon emissions.
“We are for nuclear. We understand that the energy mix is crucial for our success as a nation,” Marokane stated. “We’ve always advocated for a complementary approach, utilizing various energy technologies.”
He expressed his anticipation for participating in the government-led process to expedite decision-making on nuclear energy. “We cannot afford to delay any longer,” he said, acknowledging South Africa’s previous setbacks and the need to catch up with global trends.
Marokane highlighted the importance of a clear government stance on nuclear energy in the country’s net-zero ambitions. He noted the growing global interest in nuclear power as a reliable and low-carbon source of baseload electricity.
“It would be unfortunate for us to be left behind, considering our years of experience and expertise in the field,” Marokane said, referencing Egypt’s advanced nuclear energy program.
The GCE emphasized the significant economic benefits of nuclear energy. “Nuclear energy can contribute meaningfully to our country’s social and economic development,” he said, citing the positive impact of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station on the Western Cape region.
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