Globally admired comedian Trevor Noah tells us when the world goes in one direction, South Africa often prefers a different route. Occasionally that road less travelled turns out to be the right one.
With the proposed $100bn nuclear power programme moving another step forward last week, many will now be wondering why SA never persevered along its Pebble Bed Modular Reactor road. Especially as the smaller nuclear units the PBMR championed are suddenly all the rage.
Universally called SMRs (small modular reactors) the concept is being promoted as nuclear’s next generation. Built in factories and shipped to the site, SMRs are safer and customisable with modules of up to 300Mw. Such is their popularity that last month the UK’s chancellor George Osborne launched a national competition to promote technological advances.
Started in 1999, the 400Mw unit-PBMR programme was ahead of its time. But by 2010 no customers showed interest so the State cut off its funding. Wikipedia says the PBMR company’s staff has dropped from 900 to 9. You have to wonder whether some of the scientists who were involved are thinking of dusting off the blueprints, If only to win some of those pounds the Brits have on offer.
From Biznews community member Jillian Varrie
The PBMR team dispersed across the globe and now work for countries and companies that will capitalise on their very obvious knowledge and skills. A little sad to lose such high level skills.
