Reactor can create 2 500 jobs

Cape Town - Almost 2 500 jobs can be created in constructing the pebble-bed nuclear reactor demonstration model at Koeberg.

This is according to a revised socio-economic impact assessment study published for comment.

The report estimates that about R600m in wages will earned by poor households. The total capital expenditure on the construction phase would be about R16bn- at 2006 prices.

The report, compiled by Alewijn Dippenaar of Octagonal Development in George, says a study by Conningarth Economists shows that building the reactor could contribute R7.3bn (2006 prices) to the gross domestic product.

The fiscus could earn R977m/year from construction of the reactor and the project have a positive impact of R1.75bn to R184bn on the country's balance of payments.

In a 2005 study commissioned by the PBMR company, TLG Services found that dismantling the reactor would cost about R1.5bn (2005 prices), after its useful life of 40 years had expired.

This figure includes the management of radioactive waste. Plans for the management and cost of disposal of this waste are apparently being reviewed.

PBMR, which is developing the pebble-bed nuclear technology, must soon present a revised business plan to government.

The company now wishes to focus more on thermal applications than on power generation, since the credit crisis presented

Eskom, which would have been the reactor's first big client, with a lack of funding options.

The PBMR is negotiating with Sasol regarding applying its technology to Sasol's operations.

It was recently reported that American nuclear technology giant Westinghouse continues to support the project. Westinghouse has two representatives on the PBMR board and, together with Eskom and the Industrial Development Corporation, is a shareholder in the project.

- Sake24.com

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