Delays in the nuclear power plant procurement process in South Africa

Abstract

The constant evolution and development of nuclear-power projects has necessitated changes to contemporary projects. The Republic of South Africa has included the development of nuclear-power projects in its development goals as detailed in the Integrated Resource Plan. However, these projects have been delayed for years. This research is aimed at investigating the root causes of these delays. The relevant literature was analysed and reviewed while several nuclear projects were studied in order to elicit viable information about the root causes of the delays observed in the country’s own nuclear power project. The research method used to address the problem is qualitative. Internet websites, research papers and interviews were used to obtain the information. The status of different management models in power construction were analysed and reviewed in order to determine the delays in the procurement process in South Africa’s nuclear project since 2006. This research found gaps and issues for the current stakeholders and flaws in the current procurement process. Nuclear-project completion in South Africa is crucial for South African industry and citizens because of its contribution to economic growth and job opportunities, necessitating strict adherence to procedures to avoid delays. Recommendations were made for the future approach for the procurement of nuclear power stations in South Africa