4 Feb (NucNet): Westinghouse Electric Company has submitted proposals to provide three 1,100-megawatt (MW) electric AP1000 nuclear units to South Africa beginning in 2016, as well as up to 20,000 MW of nuclear power generation in total by 2025.
The submission of the proposals follows an invitation issued by South African power utility Eskom in November 2007. Westinghouse did not release any financial details of the proposals.
In a statement on 1 February 2008, Westinghouse said the proposals were submitted in cooperation with US Shaw Group, and Murray & Roberts of South Africa, a construction company. Westinghouse, Shaw and Murray & Roberts will work together as N-Powerment, which is being formed to implement the proposals.
Rita Bowser, regional vice-president, South Africa, for Westinghouse, told Eskom in a letter that the AP1000 is ideal for South Africa because it combines proven power generation systems and components with advanced, passive safety systems. It is the only Generation III+ nuclear power plant to receive final design approval and design certification from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Westinghouse’s submission relates to two separate Eskom invitations. The first, known as “Nuclear-1”, is for the construction of nuclear units ranging between 3,000 and 3,500 MW, for which a response was required by 31 January 2008.
The second, known as “Fleet”, calls for proposals relating to the potential construction of a 20,000 MW fleet by 2025.
France’s Areva has also submitted proposals. It plans to form a global partnership for the construction of up to 12 European pressurised water reactors (EPRs) in South Africa and the joint development of the country’s nuclear industry.
Areva built the two pressurised water reactor units currently in operation on South Africa’s Koeberg site, which is the country’s only commercially operational nuclear plant.
In August 2007, South Africa announced draft plans for the development of “an extensive” nuclear energy programme with the long-term goal of being self-sufficient in the nuclear fuel cycle.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
South Africa Preparing New Nuclear Energy Policy (News No. 118, 15 May 2007)
South Africa Announces Plans For ‘Extensive’ Nuclear Energy Programme (News No. 189, 14 August 2007)
Areva Unveils ‘Ambitious’ Plans For Up To 12 New South Africa Units (News No. 10, 31 January 2008)
