The proposed Thyspunt nuclear power plant has the potential to double electricity generation, create jobs, and boost regional development according to experts.
The planned plant, situated in the Eastern Cape's Nelson Mandela Bay hub, could inject billions of Rands into the economy. Nomso Kana, a nuclear scientist and digital economy energy advisor for the office of the premier in the Eastern Cape, told CAJ News that a surge in GDP can be expected from R300 billion to R645 billion, driven by increased electricity capacity from 4,000 to 8,600 MW. This, in turn, could create thousands of jobs across various sectors.
Specifically, Kana said, 3,6 to 4,8 million jobs would be created.
The Thyspunt project is also presented as a solution to South Africa's chronic energy woes. The country has grappled with power shortages and load shedding for years, hindering economic activity and frustrating citizens.
The reliable, baseload power provided by nuclear could be a game-changer, stabilizing the grid and ensuring consistent electricity supply. Increasing the supply of reliable electricity will reduce the region’s demand on the national grid, according to Kana.
