South African authorities plan to reactivate a dormant pebble bed modular reactor program following cabinet approval, with Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stating the move positions the nation as a competitive participant in global small modular reactor fuel markets. Officials anticipate reopening fuel development laboratories for commercial production and research activities, targeting an energy expansion outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan, calling for additional nuclear generating capacity.
Environmental regulators approved construction permits for the Duynefontein location near the existing Koeberg facility, allowing deployment of up to 4,000 megawatts with an initial 2,400 megawatt phase. Separately, the National Nuclear Regulator extended operational authorization for Koeberg Unit 2 through 2045, maintaining 930 megawatts of generating capacity following safety upgrades.
Government officials emphasized workforce development through university partnerships to address nuclear science skill shortages while supporting continental electrification objectives and mineral processing industries requiring stable baseload power supplies.
Environmental regulators approved construction permits for the Duynefontein location near the existing Koeberg facility, allowing deployment of up to 4,000 megawatts with an initial 2,400 megawatt phase. Separately, the National Nuclear Regulator extended operational authorization for Koeberg Unit 2 through 2045, maintaining 930 megawatts of generating capacity following safety upgrades.
Government officials emphasized workforce development through university partnerships to address nuclear science skill shortages while supporting continental electrification objectives and mineral processing industries requiring stable baseload power supplies.
