(Ecofin Agency) - South Africa will develop only 1,359 MW of nuclear power plants by 2037. This is a significant drop from 9,600 MW it said it would develop by 2030.

The news was revealed as Eskom, the national power utility, disclosed its draft for the National energy plan. This draft also states that nuclear power output in the country would be increased to 20,385 MW by 2050.

Eskom however said it would issue this year requests for proposals for firms interested in building these plants. It this hopes to see the first plants start operating by 2025, in respect to the initial plan.

According to power experts, the previous development plan for 9,600 MW by 2030 was ambitious but not necessary. Members of the opposing ruling party however expressed their concerns regarding the transparency of the project which should cost the nation between 80 and 100 million dollars.

Moreover, the energetic draft plan states that an additional 37,400 MW of wind power stations and 17,600 MW of solar power plants would be developed by 2050.

Gwladys Johnson