South Africa plans $125bn power station

20 October 2011

Proposals for a nuclear power station in South Africa are currently under review by the country's cabinet, reports Reuters.

The construction of the 9,600 megawatt plant, which would be completed by 2030, could be worth at least $125 billion (£78 billion), making it the highest public tender ever issued in South Africa.

With around 85 per cent of the country's power coming from coal-fired plants, South Africa is looking to reduce its substantial carbon footprint and boost its low-carbon electricity supplies.

Speaking to the news provider, South Africa's energy minister Dipuo Peters said the full calculations had not yet been done, but the estimated worth of the plant would be "about that [£78 billion] or more".

He added that a key factor in the decision would be the impact of the nuclear expansion on consumers.

News of the plant's development comes after another major infrastructure project in South Africa was announced. Work is to begin on the 10 billion rand (£800 million) Winelands road, which will be 175 km long. 

Category: Energy