The Nuclear Energy Corporation says there's been an over-reaction to the Western Cape High Court ruling setting aside South Africa's current nuclear contracts.
Necsa chairperson, Dr Kelvin Kemm, said Friday that they are studying the judgement but will comment in detail in due course.
"Nevertheless, the response that this has killed off SA's nuclear build programme is an over-reaction and damaging to the country's international reputation and commercial standing," he said.
"The judgment is a setback but certainly not a derailment as many commentators are repeating. Caution and good sense should apply until all the implications are fully understood," Kemm said.
"The court has ruled on an administrative process. The court has not ruled on the wisdom, or otherwise of nuclear power. A false impression has been created that this judgment is anti-nuclear. It is not and comment to that effect is premature and regrettable," he said.
Dr Kemm said that the nuclear industry in South Africa operates to the highest global business and ethical standards and applies world best practice to planning and operational procedures. "To suggest that those working within it adhere to anything less is at best inaccurate and a great disservice to a highly professional body of experts," said Kemm.
He said there were many misunderstandings and false perceptions around nuclear and the public is often fed misinformation about the costs, benefits, safety and South Africa's long-term energy requirements.
"One positive aspect of this ruling is that it presents the opportunity for the facts and truth to be fully aired and debated so that rational people can think and decide on realities not hearsay. The anti-nuke lobby has had the platform to themselves not least because the nuclear industry has been quiet," he said.
Kemm said this will change as "Necsa and the nuclear industry intend to step up efforts to put the facts before the court of public opinion and to present a balanced and evidenced based case for nuclear energy as the right energy option for South Africa".
He said 50 years ago South Africa took the decision to build the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
"Today's evidence confirms that as the correct decision. Nuclear power is currently the cheapest electricity in the Eskom stable. Today, a decision in favor of nuclear power remains as correct and sensible as the previous one and will put South Africa on the road to economic growth and prosperity," said Kemm.
