This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
Energy Minister Dipuo Peters says its a question of when, not if South Africa's nuclear energy programme will get underway.
She was speaking on Thursday morning at the sod-turning ceremony for the DCD wind tower project in the Coega Industrial Development Zone outside Port Elizabeth.
The Minister pointed out that the skills required for the manufacturing of renewable energy components could be used in the nuclear programme.
Peters urged the Eastern Cape to equip people with skills so that these are available when nuclear projects are announced.
Thyspunt, near Oyster Bay, is the preferred site for Nuclear 1.
The DCD wind tower project will see 600 people employed during the construction phase and 200 once the plant is operational.
The project involves the construction of a 23-thousand square metre facility and an investment of over R300m in the Coega IDZ.
