CSP

[IdlePhaedrus]

Given the debate about the cost (in time and money) of nuclear and base-load that is currently on the go, here are a couple of articles of interest in ZA specifically:

http://social.csptoday.com/markets/south-africa-hosts-fierce-csp-contest-dwindling-grid-capacity

http://social.csptoday.com/technolo...plant-israels-ashalim-use-advanced-technology

To me, the most interesting quote is:

The minister noted the Northern Cape has seen "vast interest” for further solar investment, and enjoys sufficiently high solar irradiation levels to support investments in the park. But she also noted that required strengthening of the Northern Cape grid network has not been budgeted for in the current regulated multiyear price determination (MYPD3) for 2017/18 electricity tariffs.

The strengthening of the grid seems to be more urgent than a nuclear build, but there is no budget for that, huh? Nuclear would need the same strengthened grid surely?

 

[ambo]

The strengthening of the grid seems to be more urgent than a nuclear build, but there is no budget for that, huh? Nuclear would need the same strengthened grid surely?

Not to the same extent. The proposed plants are near to the points of consumption and would require quite small upgrades to the grid.

There is already established transmission infrastructure in the Eastern Cape feeding the area so it could probably be used to take the surplus power from the nuclear plants into the rest of the grid.

 

[IdlePhaedrus]

Not to the same extent. The proposed plants are near to the points of consumption and would require quite small upgrades to the grid.

There is already established transmission infrastructure in the Eastern Cape feeding the area so it could probably be used to take the surplus power from the nuclear plants into the rest of the grid.

Questions.

So why not build a few CSP plants in the EC instead of the NC? I read recently that the irradiation levels are not all that much different throughout the country. Which would make that a viable option. Don't have the link to hand just now, if you really want it I will try to find it tomorrow.

Also, surely improving the grid in the NC would be considerably cheaper, quicker and more effective than a nuclear build program?

Dunno, just throwing these things out there...

<EDIT>As far as I am aware there is only one proposed site for the nuclear build in the EC anyway where the necessary environmental impact studies have been done. Took six years IIRC</EDIT>