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The Citizen
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Summit hears Pretoria company's small nuclear reactor offers independence
As South African cities confront load-shedding and economic stagnation, the search for energy independence has never been more urgent. For the Tshwane metro and other municipalities, a new option has emerged in the form of a locally developed small modular reactor, designed by Pretoria engineers, that promises to change how cities generate and control their electricity. This option was recently discussed and caught a lot of attention at the Energy Summit 2025 held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The summit aimed to build a smarter energy system focused on powering a sustainable and inclusive future. It drew all stakeholders grappling with growing energy demands and pressure to transition towards clean, reliable energy sources, where Tshwane's energy future was the main theme. Developed by Pretoria-based company Stratek Global, the reactor offers a combination of safety, cost-efficiency, and energy security, making it an ideal fit for municipal deployment. Rekord spoke to a nuclear physicist and Stratek chairperson from Pretoria east, Dr Kelvin Kemm. He is confident that it can help municipalities. 'The reactor is designed specifically to be deployable at the municipal level. With this system, a municipality like Tshwane can own and operate its own nuclear power facility, independent of Eskom and free of geographic limitations.' He told Rekord that it is ideal for the metro, as unlike large-scale nuclear power plants, which require vast infrastructure and access to significant water sources, the reactor is self-contained and highly adaptable. He explained that gravity, natural cooling paths, and other physics functions have been used in design such that safety devices will fall into place naturally, under gravity, as cooling paths exist without active pumps running. When it comes to whether the metro would be able to use such a reactor if interested parties decide to commission the construction, he said, once the teams start building, it will take about five years to build the first reactor. 'This first one will take a year to 18 months for all the legal compliance, testing, and certification. From the second one onwards, construction will go faster.' He explained that the costs for such a reactor should be measured by how much the electricity will cost the customer. 'The electricity from the reactor will cost about the same as coal-fired electricity now. It is completely untrue that nuclear electricity will cost a huge amount,' stressed Kemm. He said there are huge economic benefits for the metro. During construction, hundreds of people will be employed in good-quality jobs, like any industrial construction. Construction materials will also be purchased from local suppliers. Tasks like forming metal parts, cutting, machining and high-integrity welding, and so on, all need to be performed and sourced. 'When the reactor is running, it will employ a couple of hundred people on a full-time basis. These range from engineers to skilled technicians to react to operators to draft craftsmen, such as plumbers and electricians. Many private companies will be involved, supplying goods and services on a regular basis.' According to Kemm, a representative from their Pretoria branch has twice travelled to a country in the Middle East to explain their proposal and architectural designs were carried out for that country, by Pretoria east architects JKDA. To him, it is a positive factor that South Africa has one of the oldest and most experienced nuclear regulators in the world. He said Stratek Global has an impressive building in Centurion, and there is a staff of some 150 people. 'They check and certify all issues concerning the design and construction of any nuclear system, to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment.' He added that the principle of private or municipal ownership of electricity has already been established by the government for wind and solar systems. 'There is no reason why nuclear will be different. So, the metro, or groups of companies in Rosslyn, could install their own nuclear power. One reactor complex will fit easily on a piece of land the size of a football field. Such ownership is perfectly feasible. In fact, it is possible to have your own private grid,' he concluded. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Metro to revive power stations, explore nuclear and improve economic growth
The metro has ambitious plans to rejuvenate its two dormant power stations to achieve energy independence and improve economic growth. Energy experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders gathered at the second annual Tshwane Energy Summit 2025, themed 'Energy is a Catalyst for Economic Development' on June 13 . The event at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre focused on strategies to transform the metro's energy landscape and achieve energy security for its residents. Plans to rejuvenate the 300MW Rooiwal and 180MW Pretoria West power stations were one of the subjects central to the discussions. The two city-owned power stations have been inactive and non-operational for over a decade, with Pretoria West in poor condition and not producing electricity and Rooiwal operating below intended capacity. According to COO Vuyo Zitumane, funding and strategies to reactivate the Pretoria West power station are in progress, with a new operational strategy for the plant. 'The Gauteng Infrastructure Funding Agency has come forward with due diligence and is looking at core funding for transaction advisors' service so that we know the potential that can be leveraged from that power station.' She said the city plans to convert the plant and adopt a green approach, utilising the process of producing energy from gas to operate the facility. 'A similar process [of potential leverage] is going to be undertaken with the Rooiwal power station, however, it will probably continue to be a coal-powered station,' she said. Zitumane emphasised the importance of building resilient energy systems that will enable the metro to keep the lights burning for its residents. Energy experts shared insight and advice on more ways to produce sustainable and efficient energy for the metro and also create more employment. Dr Kelvin Kemm, chairman of Stratek Global, pointed out the potential the metro has to explore nuclear energy. He proposed it should start planning to build Small Modular Reactors (SMR) around the municipal region. 'SMR could supply reliable and stable electricity by being sited around the metro or clustered together in groups of two or four.' Kemm said the area required for each group is only the size of a football field. He added that not only will the building of such reactors supply reliable electricity for decades to come, but also provide many high-grade jobs. The metro's revitalisation efforts are aimed at creating numerous job opportunities in various sectors, including construction, operations, and maintenance. MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa emphasised that a consistent and dependable energy supply is essential for economic growth. 'A stable [and] reliable energy supply creates an environment where economic activities can thrive and investors can confidently grow in their businesses. 'Transformation of the energy landscape will create jobs that will bring dignity to the residents of Tshwane,' she said. She added that increased energy capacity is also anticipated to stimulate local industries and attract further investments, contributing to the metro's economic growth. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Gauteng unveils high-tech, tamper-proof number plates
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has officially unveiled a new high-tech, tamper-proof provincial number plate system. The new intelligent number plate system is a secure, traceable and smart solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes and a fully digitised back-end portal. These technological enhancements are designed to combat vehicle theft, fraud and cloning, while improving road safety and empowering traffic law enforcement across the province. Speaking at the launch of the new plates on Thursday, Lesufi said the new system is a major step forward in the fight against criminality in the province. 'We are letting go of the old ways of fighting crime and introducing new ideas in this fight. With the help of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, we are now deploying a digital system that ensures we are able to account for every vehicle on our public roads. 'Those who are using fraudulent or duplicate number plates will have no space or time to drive on our roads,' he said at the launch held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. The province has launched a high-calibre 'weapon' in the fight against criminality and restoring order, he said. Rollout and combating crime The system will be piloted using g-Fleet vehicles affixed with the technologically advanced new number plates as part of the six-month stress testing project, before the provincial rollout. This system is set to drastically improve the credibility of number plates and enable license plate tracking within the value chain, from manufacturer to the vehicle owner. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela highlighted that the launch represented a strategic provincial intervention to combat crime effectively and strengthen regulatory compliance. She added that this is an important pillar in the broader Provincial Integrated Crime Prevention Strategy. 'By partnering with law enforcement agencies, metro police departments and the private sector, we are enhancing vehicle identification and traceability. 'These smart number plates will significantly reduce vehicle cloning, trafficking of stolen vehicles, and the use of falsified plates in criminal activities. It is about disrupting criminal networks and improving road safety,' the MEC said. Meanwhile, as part of efforts to bolster traffic law enforcement, the Gauteng Provincial Government welcomed 96 officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation. These additional 'boots on the ground' officers will enhance visibility and strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the province. 'With these additional resources, the provincial government will also be able to undertake interventions to stabilise and manage taxi violence at identified hotspots, promote responsible road usage and enhance traffic management,' the MEC said. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Stringent norms set for execution of Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project
An expert panel under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) that recently granted final clearance for the proposed Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project has fixed stringent norms for the project's execution under the direct monitoring of a four-member committee recommended by the District Collector. A review report will have to be submitted every six months after the commencement of work. 'A notification on the final clearance will be out within a week, which will help us move to the construction phase. The formal construction agreement will be signed following the final clearance,' said Thiruvambady MLA Linto Joseph. While giving final clearance, the expert panel has laid 60 conditions to reduce environmental impact and address concerns raised by various green bodies about natural calamities in ecologically sensitive areas. 'The norms fixed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Central Institute for Mining and Fuel Research will have to be strictly followed at the worksite. Also, suggestions by various government panels related to geology, environment, and mining will have to be considered as such,' said Mr. Joseph. There is also a proposal to establish four ground vibrator monitoring stations to constantly assess the work's impact, he added. Ensuring proper protection of biodiversity in the project area is another major condition. The construction company will have to ensure that the flow of the Iruvazhinji river is not interrupted. Also, the company will be responsible for the close monitoring of the quality of air in the constructed tunnel. The ₹2,134-crore project will be completed with the cooperation of the Department of Public Works, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL). The tendering process had already been completed for the project which will be implemented by Bhopal-based Dilip Buildcon Limited and Kolkota-based Royal Infrastructure. Meanwhile, N. Badusha, president of Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi, said the Samithi would move the Kerala High Court challenging the clearance for the project. Also, a protest would be staged along with other organisations during Environment Day celebrations in front of the Wayanad Collectorate on June 5,' he said. It was on October 16, 2000, that the blueprint for the 8.17-km twin tunnel, claimed to be the third longest underpass in the country, was unveiled by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. To speed up the project execution, the Chief Minister had included it in the list of 30 special projects directly monitored by him.
Eyewitness News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Eyewitness News
Lesufi says resources being directed to fixing Gauteng's roads
JOHANNESBURG - At least 65% of the Gauteng government's road network is in a bad state, riddled with potholes and dysfunctional traffic lights. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced at a media briefing on Thursday that resources were being directed towards fixing roads. The province has been working to get its house in order before the G20 Summit is scheduled to sit in Johannesburg in November. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that of the 4,500 roads under the provincial government's control, only 35% of them were in good condition. "We have appointed the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to assist us with mapping potholes in the province. According to the latest report from CSIR, our province has 5,400 km of road Infrastructure, comprising 5,000 km of tarred roads and 1,800 km of gravel roads." Lesufi said that money was being allocated to fix the province's roads. "To address these challenges, we have allocated R1.5 billion for immediate road repairs and maintenance. Additionally, by the end of 2025, we will take over the coordination of road maintenance programmes currently managed by provinces and municipalities to ensure more efficient service delivery." Another area of concern that Lesufi has committed to addressing is vandalism of traffic lights, especially in the City of Johannesburg.
