Energy Dialogue: The Role of Nuclear in South Africa’s Energy Mix

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) hosted a critical discussion on the feasibility and role of nuclear energy in South Africa's electricity mix as the country transitions to a climate-compatible economy.

South Africa's electricity mix currently relies heavily on coal, which supplies 83% of electrical energy (2023/24), with renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro contributing approximately 9%. Nuclear power, primarily from the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, accounts for about 4% of the electricity supply. As the country accelerates its decarbonization efforts and implements the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023, the feasibility of expanding nuclear capacity is under assessment.

This webinar explored the following key themes:

• The feasibility of scaling up nuclear power in South Africa, considering its high capital costs, financing challenges, and implementation timelines.
• Technical assumptions about nuclear energy's ability to provide socio-economic benefits and support South Africa's decarbonization and energy goals.
• Risk management strategies to address delays, cost overruns, and governance issues associated with large-scale nuclear projects.
• The potential for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a future technology and the caution needed due to their early development phase.
• Environmental considerations, including radioactive waste management, water usage, and lifetime environmental impacts.
• The relationship between nuclear development and local benefits, such as skills development, quality job creation, and leveraging South Africa’s uranium resources.

This webinar brought together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to critically analyse whether nuclear power can provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and socially beneficial solution for South Africa's energy transition.