No room for new coal, nuclear in SA's energy mix - Presidential Climate Commission | Business

The PCC says modelling shows coal and nuclear are not the least-cost option for the country's electricity system.South Africa needs between 50GW and 60GW of renewable energy by 2030, according to the climate commission.

The commission's head of mitigation, Steve Nicholls, explained that models show the least cost option for South Africa is to roll out renewables, such as solar and wind , that are supported by storage and peaking power sources like gas . These peaking plants would also be operated at a low level and not all the time.

"We have heard some public statements that nuclear is cheaper than variable renewable energy. We can't find any reference for that in the international literature," Nicholls told News24 in response to questions. Apart from the question of affordability, Nicholls said it is important to ask whether we should include small nuclear reactors in energy planning – when we are not sure of their commercial viability.Climate Future Weekly

Australia Australia Latest News, Australia Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Ramaphosa’s advisors urge South Africa to turn away from coalDespite energy officials banking on coal to solve South Africa’s power crisis – the presidential climate commission urges a sharp turn away from fossil fuels.
Source: BusinessTechSA - 🏆 24. / 61 Read more »

South Africa must give up coal and use minimum gas for new power plants — Ramaphosa climate commissionThe commission, in a set of recommendations on how South Africa should structure its electricity system, said a review of the country’s Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP, a blueprint for its energy industry, should include 50-60GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Source: mybroadband - 🏆 11. / 67 Read more »