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PBMR too costly for bulk electricity supply Areva chairperson, Anna Lauvergeon, confirmed what Environmentalists have been saying for years - that the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR) is in effect too costly. According to Nucleonic Week, at Areva's 2003 financial results conference, Lauvergeone said that the PBMR was 'not competitive to generate large-scale electricity ?…..". This leaves the PBMR with no money. From media reports, it appears that Eskom was banking on the Areva investment in the demonstration plant. This has failed to materialise. Exelon left in 2002 so this leaves BNFL, technically bankrupt, as the sole international investor. Eskom is now hoping that the SA government will bale it out. The project is bogged down in controversy. 1. The Environmental Impact Assessment process has been questioned: ?• Over 60 appeals were received by the Department of Environmental Affairs against the project. To date, the Minister has failed to make a decision on the appeal. ?• Earthlife Africa is proceeding in court to review the Department's EIA decision. The court decision is not expected until 2005. ?• The finalisation of the radio-active waste policy was a condition of approval but the process of drafting such a policy has been challenged by civil society groups 2. Licensing process: The PBMR must still undergo a detailed safety review process in order to obtain a licence to operate from the National Nuclear Regulator. However according to press reports, the design is not yet complete (making it even more difficult to believe the claims of "walk away safe"). The licensing process must involve the public and has yet to commence. 3. Major society stakeholders are against the project including: ?• COSATU - the national congress of South African Trade Unions ?• The SA Catholic Bishops Conference ?• Environmental Justice Networking Forum (comprising over 400 community groups) ?• The National Union of Mine Workers ?• The National union of Metal Workers ?• City of Cape Town Many other smaller organisations, including branches of SANCO as well as individuals have objected. So, let's hope that the National government can read the writing on the wall. NO credible foreign investors exist. NO-one believes in it except a small group of people who presumably have a vested interest in its success! For more information: contact Liz McDaid 082 731 5643 ?? |
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