South Africa’s Nuclear Renaissance: PBMR Revival Signals New Energy Era

PBMR Project Set for Reactivation After 15-Year Hiatus

South Africa’s pioneering pebble-bed modular reactor (PBMR) program is poised for revival, with Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announcing that the dormant nuclear project will be lifted from care and maintenance by latest Q1 2026. The minister revealed that the process has reached an advanced stage, with a Cabinet submission expected by end-November 2025 or early next year., according to market trends

From Regret to Redemption: Learning from Past Decisions

Ramokgopa described the original decision to shelve the PBMR program in 2010 as one “we live to regret”, particularly as countries like China have since perfected the small modular reactor technology that South Africa pioneered. The minister struck a pragmatic note, however, stating that “it’s no use crying over spilt milk” while emphasizing the renewed opportunity to capitalize on South Africa’s early investment in nuclear innovation.

Unlocking Legal and Partnership Pathways

The move to lift the care-and-maintenance status is crucial for enabling the Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) to legally engage with potential partners. “Part of the reason we need to lift the care and maintenance is that Necsa does not currently have the legal basis to engage with a potential partner,” Ramokgopa explained during his address at Windaba 2025 in Cape Town. The Cabinet approval would effectively open the door to what the minister described as “a procession of people” already expressing interest in the project., according to technology insights

Financing Through Strategic Partnerships

Despite government budget constraints, Ramokgopa expressed confidence in the project’s financial viability through off-balance-sheet development. “We don’t have money, but we have the infrastructure, and the suitors know that. I’m confident that the financing will be fine,” he stated. This approach suggests a public-private partnership model that leverages South Africa’s existing nuclear infrastructure and expertise without burdening the national treasury.

Global SMR Boom Creates New Opportunities

The timing appears favorable for PBMR’s revival, with Ramokgopa highlighting that data centers are emerging as major investors in small modular reactors worldwide. “PBMR is the underlying technology for SMRs,” he noted, pointing to what he described as “a huge opportunity we are seeing here.” The global shift toward energy-intensive computing and artificial intelligence has created new demand for reliable, compact nuclear power solutions that SMR technology can provide.

Distinct from IRP2025 Nuclear Expansion

The PBMR revival represents a separate initiative from the 5.2 GW of conventional nuclear power planned under the newly released Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025. Ramokgopa clarified that the IRP’s nuclear component “is not a function of whether we lift the care and maintenance of the PBMR,” indicating that the two programs will proceed independently while potentially complementing each other., according to technological advances

Balancing Proven Technology with Innovation

While expressing caution about unproven nuclear technologies, Ramokgopa suggested the possibility of ringfencing approximately 100 MW of the IRP’s 5.2 GW nuclear allocation for SMR development. “We’ll accept that this is really about a level of experimentation in partnership with people already in that space,” he stated, acknowledging the need for both reliable baseload power and technological advancement.

Addressing the Skills Challenge

The minister identified nuclear skills scarcity as the most significant risk to South Africa’s nuclear ambitions. He noted that at the PBMR program’s peak, South Africa had approximately 2,000 engineers working in the nuclear sector, many of whom have since moved to leading international companies. Rebuilding this expertise base will be crucial for both the PBMR revival and the broader IRP nuclear implementation.

Technical Legacy and Future Potential

The PBMR represents a high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactor design that uses fuel encapsulated in graphite-coated spheres. Originally developed between 1994 and 2009, the technology offers potential advantages in safety, modularity, and flexibility compared to conventional large-scale nuclear plants. Its revival could position South Africa as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology while addressing the country’s persistent electricity challenges., as our earlier report

As South Africa moves toward revitalizing this ambitious nuclear program, the successful reactivation of PBMR development could signal a new chapter in the country’s energy landscape, combining technological innovation with practical energy solutions in a rapidly evolving global energy market.

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