Siting Application Review Workshop in Centurion, South Africa

June 26th, 2014 — 

A Siting Application Review Workshop was presented on June 9-13, 2014 in Centurion, South Africa to the National Nuclear Reactor Regulator of South Africa (NNR) by David Squarer and Richard Emch. This workshop was developed by AdSTM to illustrate how the NRC reviews a siting application, either in the context of Early Site Permit (ESP), Construction Permit (CP), or Combined License (COL). As such it follows the review procedure described in the siting related chapters of the standard review plan (SRP) (NUREG-0800). The workshop, conducted at the NNR’s office, was attended by a total of 36 staff members of NNR.

Although NNR is an experienced regulator with jurisdiction over the only two commercial nuclear reactors currently operating in Africa, it can benefit from additional training due to continuous hiring of new technical personnel. South Africa’s utility (Eskom) is currently evaluating potential sites for new nuclear built. It is planning to add 9.6 GWe nuclear generating capacity by 2030, with the first unit expected to be in operation by 2023. Three potential sites were identified by Eskom along the coast - one near Koeberg, and two other potential sites east of Koeberg. The sites are currently being characterized.