Mahlobo’s call for ‘modular’ electricity roll-out at odds with nuclear ambition

Energy Minister David Mahlobo’s latest Parliamentary reply, in which he argues that there is no longer a need to build large generation units, owing to the availability of low-cost smaller generation options, is at odds with his support for a large-scale nuclear build programme. In response to Economic Freedom Fighters MP Mzingisi Dlamini’s question as to why he was “seemingly in a rush to expedite a nuclear energy deal that South Africa cannot afford”, the Minister acknowledged the risk of building “stranded assets” in light of the current decoupling of economic growth in South Africa from electricity demand.