SA embarks on new nuclear energy era

SOUTH Africa is stepping into a new era of nuclear energy, with Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announcing significant developments in the country's nuclear program, including the lifting of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) from care and maintenance and the extension of Koeberg Unit 2 operations.

- WENDY DONDOLO

Speaking during a media briefing yesterday in Hatfield, Ramokgopa said the move marks a decisive step towards revitalising South Africa's nuclear capabilities and contributing to global nuclear technology innovation.

"The need for us to beneficiate the critical minerals that are going to underpin the decarbonisation agenda is going to rely on clean baseload technologies, and nuclear is going to feature significantly," he said.

"As a country, we say we are not going to be left behind. We have built a body of knowledge over time."

The PBMR, previously on hold, will now resume active development, allowing South Africa to expand its role in the nuclear fuel cycle and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.