This article explores the potential of nuclear research to drive commercial, economic, financial, strategic, and managerial growth, development, and job creation in Gauteng’s former townships. By promoting sustainable development, reducing unemployment, and raising living standards, nuclear research can contribute to a diversified energy mix and industrialization, aligning with the Just Energy Transition and investment models. The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Nuclear Centre, within the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE), serves as a case study, showcasing collaborations with local and international experts to support research, technology innovation, and commercialization of nuclear products addressing critical human needs.
The UJ Nuclear Research Centre leverages professors of practice and human intelligence working with machines to drive innovation. Studies focus on commercializing nuclear reactors and sensors to revitalize township economic models, with potential applications in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like ESKOM, Infrastructure Development Agencies, and water utilities. Guided by the “Growing Gauteng Together 2030” vision, this initiative aims to unlock the potential of nuclear research for sustainable development and economic growth in South Africa.
1. Purpose
The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Nuclear Research Centre aims to harness the benefits of nuclear research to transform lives in Gauteng’s former townships. By investing in nuclear research, the initiative seeks to create jobs, promote local manufacturing, and stimulate economic growth. The purpose and objectives of the UJ Nuclear Research Centre are to provide empirical evidence for commercial, economic, financial, strategic, and managerial modelling of nuclear products. This will accelerate the adoption of clean energy, clean water, green hydrogen, and renewable energies, while promoting green skills and decarbonization.
The UJ Nuclear Research Centre collaborates with local and international experts to support research, technology innovation, and commercialization of nuclear products addressing critical human needs. By leveraging professors of practice and human intelligence working with machines, the centre drives innovation in areas such as nuclear reactors and sensors. These innovations have potential applications in state-owned enterprises and water utilities, aligning with the “Growing Gauteng Together 2030” vision. This initiative aims to promote sustainable development, reduce unemployment, and raise living standards in Gauteng’s former townships.
2. Problem Statement
South Africa’s over-reliance on coal power stations poses significant challenges to sustainable development and economic growth in townships, resulting in environmental degradation, air pollution, and water scarcity. The lack of access to clean and reliable energy sources in these areas exacerbates poverty, inequality, and unemployment, hindering the potential for economic growth and development. Notably, the economic potential of nuclear products in traditional townships remains undocumented by scholars and policymakers.
The country’s nuclear energy landscape, primarily driven by the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station since 1984, highlights the need for strategic considerations related to nuclear research and investment demands. With a current nuclear capacity of approximately 1,860 MW, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station contributes significantly to South Africa’s energy mix. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s plan to procure 2,500 MW of nuclear power, aiming for completion by 2032 or 2033, underscores the potential for nuclear energy to address the country’s energy needs. Eskom’s life extension project for the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which aims to extend its operational lifespan by 20 years, further emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy in South Africa’s energy mix. The relatively low cost of nuclear energy, with the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station generating electricity at 44 cents per unit, makes it an attractive option for meeting the country’s energy demands. However, despite these developments, significant gaps remain in understanding the role of nuclear energy in promoting sustainable development and economic growth in townships. The identification of two potential sites for new nuclear power plants and the ongoing Request for Information (RFI) for the development of 2,500 MW of nuclear power highlight the need for further research and investment in nuclear energy. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges of nuclear energy is crucial for informing policy decisions and promoting sustainable development in South Africa.
3. Hypotheses Tested by UJ Nuclear Research Centre
The UJ Nuclear Research Centre tests the hypothesis that nuclear research can provide a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy source to address the challenges posed by South Africa’s over-reliance on coal power stations. Specifically, the centre investigates the potential of nuclear energy to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Nuclear energy can provide a low-carbon alternative to coal, reducing South Africa’s carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Enhance energy security: Nuclear power can provide a reliable and consistent source of energy, reducing the country’s dependence on coal and mitigating the risks associated with price volatility.
- Promote economic growth and development: By providing a stable and efficient energy source, nuclear research can support economic growth and development in townships, creating new opportunities for industries, businesses, and citizens.
- Support local manufacturing and industrialization: Nuclear research can enable the development of new industries and manufacturing capabilities in townships, driving economic growth and job creation.
- Motivation for Nuclear Reactors in Gauteng
Gauteng, as the economic hub of Africa, boasts five economic corridors that can be leveraged to drive industrial economic zones, similar to China’s model. China’s success in utilizing nuclear reactors and sensors to support its global markets and supply and demand chain is notable. Each rural community or town in China has nuclear stations that contribute to the country’s economic growth. This model can be replicated in Gauteng, where nuclear energy can play a pivotal role in driving economic development.
With approximately 60% of South Africa’s population being youth, Gauteng’s economic corridors can be transformed into hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. By incorporating nuclear reactors and sensors, these corridors can attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, China’s emphasis on vocational education and training, particularly in science, technology, research, engineering, art, and mathematical (STREAM) subjects, can serve as a model for South Africa.
The World Economic Forum’s identification of core skills required for 2030 highlights the importance of STREAM education in driving future economic growth. By adopting a similar approach, South Africa can equip its youth with the necessary skills to participate in the nuclear industry and contribute to the country’s economic development. With Gauteng being the economic hub of Africa, the potential for nuclear energy to drive growth and development in the region is vast. Gauteng can become a leader in nuclear innovation, attracting investments and talent from across the continent. This can have a ripple effect, driving economic growth and development in surrounding regions and contributing to South Africa’s overall economic prosperity. As the country looks to the future, embracing nuclear energy and STREAM education can help unlock the potential of its youth and drive sustainable economic growth.
4. Conclusion
The implementation of nuclear reactors and stations in Gauteng’s economic corridors can drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote sustainable development in townships. To achieve this, increased investment in nuclear research and development is essential, focusing on modern technologies and products that can stimulate economic growth and job creation. Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to leverage funding, expertise, and resources, promoting the commercialization of nuclear products. Gauteng’s economic corridors should be transformed into hubs of nuclear innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting investments and talent from across the continent. This can be achieved by creating jobs in the nuclear sector and developing new industries and services that support nuclear energy and research. Increased funding for nuclear research and development is necessary, particularly in areas that can drive economic growth and job creation. Investment incentives should be provided for companies investing in nuclear research and development, and risk management strategies should be developed to mitigate financial risks. Strategic partnerships and collaborations between academia, industry, and government are crucial to drive nuclear research and development, promoting the commercialization of nuclear products. Vocational education and training programs should be developed to provide the necessary skills for the growth of the nuclear sector, particularly in STEM areas. A policy and regulatory framework should be established to support the development of nuclear energy and research, ensuring safety and security.