DETERMINANTS OF PBMR PROCESS HEAT PLANT ADOPTION BY SOUTH AFRICAN INDUSTRY

Abstract

This thesis reports findings of a study into factors influencing adoption of PBMR PHP technology by industry in South Africa. The study investigated industrial customers‟ perception of PBMR PHP, their own organizations and developers of the PBMR PHP technology. PBMR PHP is a nuclear heat generation plant that produces steam at high temperature. The steam is used directly by industrial processes or generates electricity. Theory was developed to identify factors that influence adoption of PBMR PHP technology. The framework includes innovation attributes, adopter organizational characteristics and technology developer actions. Three hypotheses were proposed and tested. A research instrument was designed specifically for the study. Survey was conducted amongst members of Energy Intensive User Group of South Africa targeting senior managers who could respond on behalf of their companies. The research instrument was fairly reliable but could still be improved. The adoption model was statistically significant and accounted for the bulk of the variance. Results suggest that industry views PBMR PHP technology as a credible technology that they can adopt. However there are concerns over public perception of nuclear technology. Strong correlations between PBMR PHP technology attributes, adopter organizational characteristics and technology developer actions with adopter attitude towards using PBMR PHP technology were observed.