## 7 Results and Discussion
### Limited Fuel Availability
#### 6.1.4 Threats  
The siting and construction of a nuclear power plant require the location to be free from natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunami [9]. South Africa is not a particular earthquake-prone country when compared to others. The country has, however, exhibited a unique distinction because the majority of its seismic activities are caused by deep-level mining. Over 80% of the recorded seismic activities in the country are all mining related. In the country, areas of deep-level gold and iron ore mining are potentially prone to earthquakes [57]. Occasionally and seasonally, and like most African countries, South Africa experiences some episodes of floods [58]. However, the probability of flooding affecting its nuclear site can be controlled by crucial geological and geographical assessments. Additionally, of concern from the seismic events is that the deployment of nuclear technology leads to the generation of radioactive waste. This could lead to radionuclide and heavy metal pollution resulting in acid mine drainage, in addition to creating radioactive waste, which is of great concern to the government.  
Water Availability  
Despite the long stretches of its coastline, measuring 3000 km south to the Atlantic and surrounded by several water bodies, South Africa is regarded as a water-stressed, water-scarce country [59]. The average rainfall is 465 mm, far below the world average of 1200 mm [60]. Water is imported to South Africa from the Katse Dam, through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project [61]. Nuclear reactors require enough water to cool and steam the system before heat that is produced and converted to electricity is generated [62]. Presently, water scarcity is overwhelming in most parts of the country from industrial to households; thus, redirecting water for human consumption to power nuclear reactors may be considered a misplaced priority [63].  
Domination of Fossil Fuel  
South Africa relies heavily on its abundant coal and its abundant reserves to meet most of the required energy to run its economy principally in the large-scale power sector and energy-intensive coal mining industries. Approximately 60% of the coal produced is used in generating electricity, and around 25% of it is converted to fuel [3]. Locally, the low stocks of coal are consumed, while a portion of the high stocks, around 30%, are exported. Coal represents the third-largest source of the country's foreign exchange, just after platinum and gold [12]. Globally, coal is regarded as one of the lowest sources of energy in terms of cost. Despite the enormous renewable energy potential that abounds in the country, there is no end in sight for the country to eradicate or become less dependent on its coal. This is because coal has stood as a strong bond in the country's economy with several policies, for now favoring its use, thereby impeding the dissemination of other imaginable energy alternatives. Discouraged by investors, more attention is given by policy and decision makers regarding short-term growth of the economy instead of long-term sustainable development [27].