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THE NUCLEAR ENERGY POLICY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

ELSIE MONALEICRP WORKSHOP

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OUTLINE

• Introduction

• Key Nuclear Energy Policy Objectives

• Existing Nuclear Energy Governance Framework

• Nuclear Energy Policy Principles

• Conclusion

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INTRODUCTION

• Nuclear Energy Policy:– Serves as an embodiment of the South African

Government’s commitment to the further development and expansion of the existing nuclear energy sector in a coordinated manner

• The long term vision: – Become a globally competitive Country in the use

of innovative technology for the design, manufacture and deployment of state of the art nuclear energy systems and power reactors and the nuclear fuel cycle

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INTRODUCTION

• White Paper on Energy Policy of 1998 - Tentative on Nuclear Energy

• “Whether new nuclear capacity will be an option in the future will depend on the environmental and economic merits of the various alternative energy

sources.” par 3.4.2  

• There was a need of a Bolder “Statement of Intent” on nuclear energy from Government

• This Nuclear Energy Policy is aimed at fulfilling that requirement

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KEY NUCLEAR ENERGY POLICY OBJECTIVES

• To promote nuclear energy as an important electricity supply option;

• To create a framework for safe and secure utilisation of nuclear energy;

• To guide in the actions to develop, promote, support, enhance, sustain, and monitor the nuclear energy sector in South Africa;

• To facilitate attainment of global leadership and self-sufficiency in the nuclear energy sector in the long term;

• To contribute to improvement of the quality of human life through the advancement of science and technology;

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Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act No. 46 of 1999) • Establishes NECSA • Provides for the implementation the Safeguards

Agreement and any Additional Protocols• Regulates the authorisation of Nuclear Material

and related equipments• Provides for the management and discarding of

radioactive waste and the storage of irradiated nuclear fuel.

EXISTING NUCLEAR ENERGY GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

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National Nuclear Regulator Act• Establishes the National Nuclear Regulator • Provides for the protection of persons,

property and environment against nuclear damage through the establishment of safety standards and regulatory practices

EXISTING NUCLEAR ENERGY GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

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Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy

• Establishes a National Radioactive Waste Policy Framework setting out the principles for management.

• Provides for the necessary management structures for radioactive waste management

EXISTING NUCLEAR ENERGY GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

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Other Legislation: • Hazardous Substance Act (Act No.85 of

1993)- DoH• Non Proliferation of Weapons of Mass

Destruction Act (Act 87 of 1993) – the DTI

EXISTING NUCLEAR ENERGY GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

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NUCLEAR ENERGY POLICY PRINCIPLES

• Diversification of Energy Sources

• Contribution to Economic Growth

• Contribution to Climate Change mitigation

• Use for Peaceful purposes

• Mitigation of Impact on Environment

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NUCLEAR ENERGY POLICY PRINCIPLES

• Legal & Regulatory Framework - Best Practice

• Commitment to Nuclear & Radiation Safety

• Use of Uranium in a Sustainable manner

• Appropriate institutional arrangements

• Safeguards and Security Measures

• Safeguarding of IP and Innovation

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CONCLUSION

South Africa intends to continue using Nuclear Energy for peaceful purposes to cater for beneficiation of its mineral resources.

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Thank You