Botswana's call: investing correctly in energy generation - media statement
issued by UDM President (27 October 2005)The UDM further notes President Mogae’s call for SA to help his country to construct a thermal power plant whose output would be sold to Eskom to boost the regional power pool. Although he did not clearly state whether he meant this thermal power plant should be powered by solar or other technology.
There is therefore a need for the Government of South Africa and Parliament to balance issues, especially the question of climate change. Since climatologists are increasingly agreeing that global climate change is happening and might have catastrophic effects. The investment in energy generation is an expensive exercise, which could easily be wasted if the technologies chosen are made redundant by climate change. Already many of the hydro-electricity projects in Africa are under threat due to climate change. There is thus a need to research and develop alternative sources of energy.
Whilst Government is considering such requests they must take into consideration our strategic nuclear industry and the billions that have already been invested in it; and which since 1994 we have applied strictly for peaceful economic means. We further take note and encourage the position of Government in international forums that nuclear technology must be used only for peaceful and economic means. It is for this reason that the USA, Russia, Israel, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Iran could take a leaf from the South African book in the peaceful use of nuclear technology without posing a threat to its neighbours. We should not be shy of admitting the beneficial outcomes of nuclear energy for this country. We should consider carefully whether we shouldn’t invest more in nuclear energy to assist the rollout of electricity to the poor and rural communities, and also to provide further for the energy needs of the greater Southern African region.