Necsa: Small Modular Reactors could power Africa’s future

Simelane says the small modular reactors are relevant to the small grids that you find throughout the continent

Small modular reactors (SMRs) can close the energy shortage gap in South Africa and across Africa.

This is according to Sengiphile Simelane, Group Executive: Power and Industry at South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa).

Simelane says the small modular reactors are relevant to the small grids that you find throughout the continent, especially in places where large conventional power plants would not be capable of what the smaller modular reactors could achieve. 

“If you have nuclear energy, you also address the issue of food security in the continent. Nuclear is used in a lot of food products in terms of preservation, and it has been used for many years.

“Nuclear is also used in the health sector whereby we use nuclear to develop cancer diagnostic medication as well as cancer treatments, and Necsa has been leading in that role,” explained Simelane.

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