Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Overview

The mandate of the Branch: Nuclear Energy Regulation and Management is to administer all matters related to nuclear energy as required by legislation and international agreements. The Branch is made up three Chief Directorates namely, Nuclear Safety and Technology,  Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Radiation Security, and National Liaison Office.

Nuclear Safety, Technology and Non-Proliferation  policies facilitate the integration of the nuclear sector in various facets of South African society. These policies position the South African nuclear industry to be world-class leaders in various fields of nuclear expertise.

The Nuclear Energy Policy for the Republic of South Africa of 2008 presents a policy framework which governs all energy related applications of nuclear technology in South Africa. The long-term vision of the policy is for South Africa to become globally competitive in the use of innovative technology for the design, manufacture and deployment of state- of-the-art nuclear energy systems and power reactors, as well as nuclear fuel cycle systems

The objectives of the policy are the following:

• The promotion of nuclear energy as an important electricity supply option via the establishment of a national industrial capability for the design, manufacture and construction of nuclear energy systems;
• The establishment of the necessary governance structures for an extended nuclear energy programme;
• The creation of a framework for safe and secure utilisation of nuclear energy with minimal environmental impact;
• A  contribution  to  the  country’s  National  Programme  of  Social  and  Economic  Transformation,  Growth  and Development;
• Guiding actions to develop, promote, support, enhance, sustain and monitor the nuclear energy sector in South Africa;
• A long-term attainment of global leadership and self-sufficiency in the nuclear energy sector;
• Exercising control over unprocessed uranium ore for export purposes for the benefit of the South African economy;
• Establishing mechanisms to ensure the availability of land (nuclear sites) for future nuclear power generation;
• Allowing for the participation of public entities in the uranium value chain;
• Promoting energy security in South Africa;
• Improvement of the quality of human life and supporting the advancement of science and technology;
• A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
• Skills development related to nuclear energy.

The National Liaison Office function is of a strategic nature to ensure that it serves South Africa’s international obligations to strengthen and increase the contribution of nuclear technology to socio-economic development in South Africa in partnership with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).