Updated November 17, 2025: South Africa’s government has noted its plans to move forward with plans to building Africa’s second nuclear plant and revive its modular nuclear reactor program. The project is part of a broader push to secure long-term energy stability. The insight was noted by Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa. The new plant, to be built in Duynefontein near Cape Town, will add four gigawatts of nuclear capacity initially, Ramakgopa said. South Africa’s plans for Africa’s second nuclear power plant, at Duynefontein near Cape Town, are still alive. The plant is part of South Africa’s $128 billion new energy plan. The proposed project, with a planned capacity of 4,000 MW, aims to diversify the country’s electricity generation mix. Furthermore, it aims to successfully enhance energy security. Environmental authorization for the site has been upheld, and regulatory processes are ongoing. Furthermore, the government and Eskom are making moves toward final approvals and project implementation. Eskom has been a part in revolutionizing renewable energy projects in South Africa. Projects such as the Mpumalanga wind farm project can all be attributed to the commitment of the state-owned entity.
“As a country, we say we are not going to be left behind,” Ramokgopa told reporters at a news conference in the capital, Pretoria. Acknowledging past setbacks and the loss of skilled engineers, the minister said South Africa is reopening fuel development laboratories. Moreover, it is reviving the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) program, and building a pipeline of nuclear scientists in partnership with universities. The minister said they will reactivate key facilities, including a nuclear fuel quantification laboratory and helium test sites, positioning South Africa as a major player in nuclear research and fuel development.
Referring to China, Ramokgopa said that there is only one country currently supplying fuel for high-temperature reactors. He added that China, a major global exporter, would meet its domestic demand as new reactors come online. It is also poised to dominate the growing global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) market. Ramokgopa said South Africa lost about 16 years of PBMR development during a care-and-maintenance period, and catching up will require partnerships with existing players while NESCA advances work on the multi-purpose research reactor He also said following a 2021 Cabinet decision, South Africa is proceeding with a multi-purpose research reactor, expanding existing capabilities for research and medical applications, particularly in oncology.
August 12, 2025: In contrasting development, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal annuls Eskom’s permit to build a 3 GW gas power plant. The Sept 17, 2025 ruling cites inadequate public consultation as a major reason for the pull on permit. The latest new energy plan supports South Africa’s nuclear reactor project as it injects a $128 billion in energy infrastructure. South Africa has revived its nuclear reactor project and expand gas-fired power generation in its latest $128 billion new energy plan. The new national energy blueprint signals a major shift in its electricity strategy.
The updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was unveiled by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Moreover, he noted that the country expects to invest 2.23 trillion rand ($128 billion) in energy infrastructure by 2042. The revised plan envisions nuclear and gas contributing 16% of total generation capacity within 14 years, up from the current 3%. Other than Africa’s second nuclear plant, South Africa is making strides in improving energy transmission as it rolls out South Africa’s $25 billion grid expansion project, a move that has attracted global interest from various energy companies.
Reported August 12, 2025 – State-owned South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) welcomes the upholding of approval plans for Africa’s second nuclear power plant. The entity seconded the upholding of the decision to grant Eskom environmental authorization to build the plant.
The 2017 decision to grant environmental authorization to build Africa’s second nuclear power plant was upheld after environmental groups raised concerns and appealed against the project. Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) Minister, Dr Dion George, also upheld the decision following the appeal.
South Africa seeks to advance its nuclear power fleet as it remains integral in the country’s baseload energy mix. Furthermore, it is part of the government’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Necsa also supports initiatives that reinforce the use of nuclear technology and its applications for power. It also seeks to use the technology in peaceful ways and progress the country’s development.
Also read: Kenya to Build East Africa’s First Nuclear Power Plant by 2034 Amid Local Opposition
Project Factsheet
Location: Duynefontein, Western Cape, South Africa
Developer: Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
Capacity: 4 GW
Proposed Technology Use: Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR), Generation III design
Status: Environmental authorization upheld. Awaits further regulatory approvals
Environmental Authorization: Granted in 2017. Upheld in August 2025 after appeals
Site License Applications: Submitted in 2016
Regulatory Oversight: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
The Significance of Africa’s Second Nuclear Power Plant in South Africa
Construction of Africa’s second nuclear power plant in South Africa is expected to be of immense significance. Its development is also integral in strengthening South Africa’s energy security.
Additionally, the plant will be built while upholding the highest standards of environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Necsa also notes that these standards will be upheld as demonstrated by Eskom over the years in their operation of the Koeberge nuclear power plant.
Necsa Group CEO, Loyiso Tyabashe, celebrated the milestone, stating:
“This approval marks an important milestone for the nuclear industry and South Africa’s journey towards implementing a balanced energy mix.”
Tyabashe also noted that the decision by the Minister shows the rigor of the process. The CEO went on to highlight confidence in nuclear technology as a safe, clean, and reliable energy option.
Necsa continues to work with the Department of Electricity and Energy and Eskom as a partner. It will also contribute its technical expertise to maximize the benefits of nuclear energy.
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