South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding nuclear power capacity, with the country’s environment minister recently upholding a 2017 decision granting state-owned Eskom the environmental authorisation to build and operate a new 4,000-megawatt nuclear power station at Duynefontein, near Cape Town. Situated adjacent to Koeberg, the only commercial nuclear power plant in Africa, the new facility represents both a national milestone and a continental statement of intent.
Why the Decision Matters for South Africa
The decision is more than a technical authorisation; it is a strategic signal. South Africa is in the midst of an energy crisis defined by chronic load shedding, ageing coal plants, and growing public frustration. By diversifying its baseload energy sources with nuclear, the government is seeking a stable, low-carbon complement to its expanding renewable energy portfolio.
READ ALSO: Geopolitics and Clean Energy: Why Africa Must Be Careful with Import Tariffs
Koeberg’s two units currently generate around 1,940 MW — roughly 4.2% of the national electricity supply. The planned Duynefontein station would more than double South Africa’s nuclear output, significantly strengthening energy security. Nuclear’s ability to provide uninterrupted power, regardless of weather conditions, makes it a critical counterbalance to intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
Navigating Environmental and Regulatory Hurdles
Environmental groups had appealed against the original 2017 approval, citing concerns over safety, waste management, and ecological impact. While the minister upheld the authorisation, the project still requires multiple additional permits and must comply with strict safety, environmental, and operational standards.
This layered approval process reflects South Africa’s recognition of the sensitivities surrounding nuclear energy and the importance of transparent governance in securing public and investor confidence.
South Africa’s Continental Leadership
South Africa’s decision holds weight far beyond its borders. As the only African nation currently operating a commercial nuclear facility, it has become the continent’s default leader in nuclear expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
This leadership role is underscored by South Africa’s active engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during its G20 presidency, where nuclear energy’s potential in Africa featured prominently. The IAEA’s latest Outlook for Nuclear Energy in Africa report forecasts that nuclear capacity on the continent could increase tenfold by 2050 in a high-growth scenario, with South Africa expected to remain the anchor nation in technology transfer and policy development.
Geopolitical and Strategic Partnerships
South Africa has signalled its readiness to partner with major nuclear markets, including BRICS members and other emerging powers, to accelerate its programme. Russia and Iran have emerged as potential collaborators, joining earlier discussions with countries such as China.
These partnerships are not only about financing and technology transfer; they also position South Africa as a hub for regional nuclear knowledge-sharing, potentially supporting projects in countries like Egypt, Ghana, and Kenya, which are already exploring or developing nuclear capabilities.
The Role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
One particularly promising avenue is the adoption of small modular reactors. SMRs require less upfront capital, can be deployed in stages, and are better suited to Africa’s often smaller and less integrated power grids. South Africa’s interest in SMRs could make it a pioneer in deploying these systems across the continent, offering a more flexible and scalable nuclear solution for countries with emerging electricity markets.
Economic and Industrial Impact
Nuclear projects have long supply chains, involving advanced engineering, materials science, and specialised training — all of which can stimulate domestic industries. As the IAEA notes, a nuclear build programme often catalyses technological progress in unrelated sectors, from manufacturing to medical isotopes.
Moreover, with South Africa ranking among the world’s top uranium producers alongside Namibia and Niger, there is an opportunity to integrate resource extraction, fuel processing, and energy generation into a single, value-adding ecosystem.
A Broader African Energy Transition
Africa’s energy challenge is stark: over half a billion people still lack reliable electricity access, and fossil fuels account for more than 70% of current generation. Nuclear offers a low-carbon, high-output alternative that can complement renewables while supporting industrial growth.
South Africa’s leadership in this domain could provide a template for responsible nuclear development, balancing safety, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity.
Looking Ahead
The Duynefontein project, if realised, will be the largest single nuclear expansion in African history. It is set against a backdrop of global climate commitments, technological innovation, and shifting geopolitical alliances. Success will depend not just on engineering excellence, but on sustained political will, public engagement, and international collaboration.
For South Africa, this is more than an infrastructure project — it is a statement about the country’s role in shaping Africa’s energy future. If managed well, it could cement the nation’s position as both a continental leader and a global player in the nuclear energy transition.
