Geological storage of carbon dioxide and disposal of nuclear waste in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has a coal-based energy economy, and the use of coal is likely to increase as new coal-fired electricity generation stations and coal-to-liquids plants are built. This situation has been exacerbated by the decision of the ­electricity utility to delay the construction of further nuclear-powered electricity generation stations. Notwithstanding the introduction of renewable energies and energy efficiency measures, the use of fossil fuels is therefore expected to increase. At the South African Climate Change Summit held during March 2009, it was announced that South Africa will increase its carbon dioxide emissions until 2020–2025, plateau for 10 years, and thereafter decrease emissions in real terms. Carbon dioxide capture and storage is being investigated as a measure to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions: a Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage was established on 30 March 2009. Preliminary studies have already indicated some potential, and the completion of a carbon geological storage atlas by mid-2010 is expected to result in more accurate information. Presently South Africa has one nuclear-powered electricity generation station which provides a mere 2.8% of primary energy supply; further stations have been postponed. Currently, high-level radioactive waste is stored on-site at nuclear installations. Low- and ­intermediate-level waste is buried in a remote, desert-like location. The Government is undertaking an investigation into the handling and final disposal of nuclear waste to cater for current and future nuclear installations. An institute that will manage radioactive waste on a national basis is the subject of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Act, 2008 (No. 53 of 2008) that was gazetted on 9 January 2009. Separate institutions address carbon dioxide storage and radioactive waste, and currently there is little interaction between them. This chapter discusses the status of activities regarding carbon capture and storage and radioactive waste disposal in South Africa.