At the recent African power generation and distribution conference , nuclear energy experts highlighted the case for developing South Africa 's nuclear power programme . Nuclear is " the cheapest and most environmentally - friendly option , " according to Rosatom , Russia 's nuclear energy company . In addition , nuclear is seeking a long - term solution to diversifying South Africa 's energy mix and can supply the increasing energy needs of sub - continent 's growing population and economy . However , a physics professor highlighted nuclear 's disadvantages , including waste disposal , the potential for catastrophic accidents , the cost of building infrastructure and deconstruction . Before the government commits to nuclear , he called for a closer consideration of renewable energy sources , such as solar and wind .
At the recent African power generation and distribution conference, nuclear energy experts discussed the case for developing South Africa's nuclear power programme. Nuclear is "the cheapest and most environmentally-friendly option," according to Rosatom, Russia's nuclear energy company. In addition, nuclear is considered a long-term solution to diversifying South Africa's energy mix and can supply the increasing energy needs of sub-Sahara's growing population and economy. However, a physics professor highlighted nuclear's disadvantages, including waste disposal, the potential for catastrophic accidents, the cost of building infrastructure and deconstruction. Before the country commits to nuclear, he called for a closer consideration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.