Hon Deputy Speaker, the global energy sector is an extremely dynamic one, characterised by emerging technologies and fast- changing cost curves. It is therefore vital that in the decisions we take regarding our energy plan we are awake to these changing dynamics, so as to avoid locking ourselves into a future which could make us globally uncompetitive.
In this regard, we should be constantly reviewing and, where necessary, revising our 20-year energy plan. The National Planning Commission calls for this approach and specifically argues for us to debate the financial viability of our proposed nuclear build programme.
Despite this call, the Minister and the ANC government have refused to open up this debate and seem determined to push ahead with the programme, regardless of its financial consequences for the country. It is absurd that Treasury has not done a financial viability study on this programme, and that we have not been able to debate it properly in Parliament.
The ID also calls upon the Minister to table in Parliament South Africa's Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, which was completed as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency's requirements. The Deputy President assured me in this House last year that these decisions would not be taken in dark corners, but would be thoroughly debated by the public. So far the ID has not seen any evidence that this commitment is being kept. Thank you. [Applause.]