The purpose of the research study was to identify the implications of the licensing processrelated
costs for coupling high temperature reactor(s) (HTR) to the SASOL coal-to-liquid (CTL)
process (hereafter known as nuclear coal-to-liquid (NCTL)). This was achieved by formulating a
licensing plan using SASOL Secunda as a case study. The secondary objectives of the study
were: To analyse the national nuclear regulatory (NNR) act, regulation and authorisation,
relevant to the licensing of the NCTL production plant; identify variables influencing licensing
and evaluating the relative significance from the perspective of relevant stakeholders; and
evaluate the magnitude of the activity-base costs. In order to achieve these goals, an in-depth
literature review was conducted to understand the application of nuclear licensing and related
concepts. These concepts consisted of several key elements, ranging from South Africa’s legal
requirements from the perspective of the national energy regulator; environmental impact
assessment; NNR’s nuclear installation site license, nuclear installation license – including
commissioning and decommissioning. A mixed experimental approach consisting of qualitative
(explorative) and quantitative (descriptive) survey designs were utilised in this study to achieve
the primary aim and secondary objectives. Three (3) structured measuring instruments such as
a telephonic interview, in-depth interviews and self-administered surveys were utilised in this
study to collect data. The data collected revealed three (3) short comings. Short comings were
addressed thereafter; ten (10) problems were also identified, to which solutions were
suggested. From the results of the study and empirical evidence, a quantified assessment of the
risk of time and cost of licensing the NCTL production plant was achieved; it was shown that the
overall timelines of the licensing plan for the NCTL production plant was estimated at 8 years as
suggested by international best practise; total licensing costs was estimated at ZAR
918,599,904.00 in 2013 value. This study concluded with several recommendations in respect
of engagement with the NNR, of which the following are important: To gain clarity on the
requirements on the content of site safety reports; provide direction on how to apply for multiple
nuclear installation licenses for installations for construction on a common site after granting
multiple nuclear installation site licenses and public participation process; and distinguish
whether the safety authority has the required human resource capable of handling two (2)
license applications per year. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/11738 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Lavelot, Randall Ruben |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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