Small Modular Reactors: A strategic opportunity for South Africa’s energy future

THE global energy landscape is undergoing profound change. Among the most promising innovations is the small modular reactor (SMR), a nuclear technology being promoted as an alternative not only to large conventional nuclear plants but also to fossil fuel-based generation. For South Africa, SMRs represent both a technological advance and an economic opportunity.

- BISMARK TYOBEKA

The “small” in SMR refers to its generating capacity — typically between 50 and 300 megawatts electric (MWe) per unit. By comparison, a conventional large reactor such as Koeberg’s units generates around 970 MWe each. SMRs are often deployed in clusters such as four-pack, six-pack, ten-pack or more, depending on the electricity needs of a region.

The “modular” aspect means that these reactors can be manufactured on a factory floor, shipped to site, and added incrementally. A single module can be installed and commissioned, with more units added over time as demand and financing allow.

This phased approach lowers upfront capital requirements and accelerates deployment.

The compact footprint of SMRs makes them suitable for sites where large plants would be impractical.

Koeberg, for example, occupies a vast area due to its size and the “source term’, or the potential release of radioactivity in an accident. Larger plants require extensive emergency planning zones, creating buffers between the reactor and residential areas. SMRs, with their smaller source term, can be sited closer to demand centres because any potential release would be far smaller and more easily diluted.

This reduced land requirement also opens possibilities for locating SMRs near existing industrial hubs. They can be placed closer to the grid, reducing costly transmission infrastructure. In some cases, they could operate entirely off-grid, directly powering energy-intensive industries such as mines and smelters.

Consider South Africa's mining sector. Large gold or platinum mining complexes in areas such as Rustenburg or Carletonville could be powered by dedicated SMRs, eliminating the need for long transmission lines.

Similarly, smelters — which have suffered output cuts due to Eskom’s supply constraints — could secure reliable 24/7 power from onsite SMRs.