SA ready for more nuclear power: EDF

South Africa is ready for more nuclear power, the world's largest nuclear operator, Electricite de France (EDF), says at an energy workshop in Johannesburg.

It was ready because of its "political willingness," Eskom's good track record, the public's awareness of climate change challenges and industries' eagerness to enter the market, said EDF South Africa managing director Frederic Diore.

Diore acknowledged that there were global challenges, including the growth of world energy consumption, the environment, security supplies and scarce oil and gas resources.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).

EDF has been in South Africa since Eskom established the Koeberg nuclear power station in the Western Cape and has helped electrify rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The workshop was attended by Energy Minister Dipuo Peters and Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan.