Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia has been cautioned that embarking on a nuclear programme is no small endeavour as it requires substantial time, resources, and commitment.
This is according to Research and Development consulting chief executive David Jarrett.
The company focuses on the energy and sustainability landscape.
Jarrett says acording to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), setting up a nuclear programme could take up to 15 years, with a subsequent operational lifespan extending over a century.
“Such a significant undertaking underscores the need for careful consideration and strategic planning to mitigate risks and maximise benefits,” he says.
Jarrett was responding to aspirations echoed by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for Namibia to set up its own nuclear power plant during her visit at Rössing Uranium a week ago.
Added to this, Jarrett said, is the technical complexity to find either additional loads within Namibia to allow for a baseload of some 800MW to 1 000 MW, or to take a leap of faith into the small small midular reactor (SMR) nuclear plants of 300MW.
He said SMR is still in the research phase globally and none so far have been within budget.
“While it is not my place to review or contradict the president, we can all agree that what is crucial is for Namibia to have a fit for purpose energy mix,” he said.
Jarrett said South Africa notes that its 2.5GW nuclear programme could cost R400 billion.
He said too much solar energy in the wrong place has a negative impact, and the overuse of nuclear energy would have a similar impact.
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