Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has welcomed Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson’s decision to delay the nuclear build programme’s request for proposals, noting that business remains concerned about the current lack of transparency, consistency and evidence-based decision-making in South Africa’s energy policy.
“We believe that the urgent release of an updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – currently several years overdue – followed by public consultation, is both appropriate and timely for the development of South Africa’s energy trajectory,” said the organisation on Thursday.
In the development of the IRP, Busa supported an affordable and cost-effective option identifying the appropriate energy mix to grow the economy and job creation. However, it did not support the nuclear build programme, based on demand patterns, cost and the availability of viable alternatives.
“We call for the publication of an updated IRP, as well as the consultation and release of related policy and legislation,” said Busa.