South Africa's Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announces a sweeping nuclear revival plan, including the restart of PBMR development and a new 400 MW nuclear build [Image by Green Building Africa]
(The Post News) – South Africa has announced an ambitious initiative. It aims to recapture its former status as a leader in global nuclear affairs. The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced the restart of the PBMR. He also mentioned the reopening of key fuel research facilities. Furthermore, there will be the construction of new nuclear capacity. There will also be an expansion of the country’s scientific workforce.
“We are not going to be left behind,” Ramokgopa said in Pretoria during a media briefing. “South Africa is taking her rightful place as a major player in nuclear fuel and technology.”
South Africa Reboots PBMR Program to compete Globally
The government will revive the PBMR after being largely shelved for over a decade. The country was among the world leaders in the development of SMRs. However, it shelved the program back in 2010. By that time, it had spent close to $1 billion. According to Ramokgopa, officials will lift the care-and-maintenance status of PBMR starting early next year.
The energy ministry has already reopened nuclear fuel development laboratories and helium testing facilities, critical steps toward the PBMR technology. These upgrades aim to position South Africa as a credible competitor to China. China is the only current supplier of fuel for high-temperature reactors.
“With our renewed work, South Africa will become another player in that market,” said Ramokgopa.
NECSA will forge ahead with a new multi-purpose research reactor supporting nuclear medicine, materials science, and isotope production. South Africa currently supplies about 20% of the world’s medical isotopes. Ramokgopa said the new reactor will deepen the country’s footprint in oncology and medical research.
“We want nuclear energy not only for electricity, but also for medicine and industrial innovation,” the minister said.
Higher education is collaborating with the South African government. Together, they are training a new generation of nuclear scientists. This effort aims to replace the depleted technical workforce.
The government approved a 4 GW nuclear plant at Duynefontein near Cape Town. It will complement the Koeberg nuclear station. Unit 2 of the station recently received a 20-year life extension. This extension will allow operation until 2045.
The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute is going to build a Central Interim Storage Facility. This facility will manage the spent fuel. It will cost R2.1 billion.
The revised IRP projects investment in energy to reach R2.23 trillion by 2042. Nuclear will play an increasing role in the country’s move away from coal. This shift is important toward stabilizing baseload electricity.
Starting this week, the 2025 IRP update aims to:
5.2 GW new nuclear, 16 GW gas, 34 GW wind, 25 GW solar. More than 105 GW new generation by 2039
Ramokgopa cited increasing demand for clean baseload power everywhere due partly to massive data-center expansion. “We see major opportunities worldwide,” he said.
Global Partnerships Expected
South Africa intends to collaborate with international investors and nuclear technology leaders. Already, China, Russia, South Korea, and the United States have shown interest in partnering with NECSA and Eskom.
“We will not run out of suitors for PBMR and small modular reactor partnerships,” assured Ramokgopa. The South African Minister of Energy, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, conceded that her country lost about 16 years in PBMR development. However, she said new partnerships and revived research laboratories could help her country regain lost momentum. The Government infused R1.2 billion into NECSA to speed up the nuclear programme. “This program strengthens our industrial ambitions and builds long-term energy security,” Ramokgopa said. “South Africa is stepping back into global leadership.”
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