South Africa: NIASA backs G20 nuclear energy push

South Africa, as the continent’s most advanced nuclear nation, continues to lead the way through key projects and operational facilities

South Africa has used its G20 presidency to put nuclear energy back in the global spotlight, hosting the first-ever G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial in Durban. 

The Ministerial Conference underscored South Africa’s intention to expand its nuclear power capacity.

The Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (NIASA) has hailed the South African government, the Department of Electricity and Energy, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for “visionary leadership and successfully convening this milestone conference, which brought together ministers, policymakers, international agencies, and industry leaders from across the G20 community and Africa.”

The conference highlighted the key role of nuclear energy in securing energy supplies, driving industrial growth, and strengthening climate resilience.

NIASA stated that South Africa, as the continent’s most advanced nuclear nation, continues to lead the way through key projects and operational facilities. 

These, they said, include the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, the SAFARI-1 Research Reactor, and new initiatives such as:

• the NuMeRI facility,
• the approved Multipurpose Research Reactor (MPR),
• the Central Interim Storage Facility (CSIF), and
• the government’s 5,000MW Nuclear New Build Programme, announced by the minister during the opening session.

Why Africa needs nuclear technology

NIASA stated that the Department’s work towards lifting the state of care and maintenance of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) Company, to further develop the PBMR technology, positions South Africa well among global developers of Small Modular Reactors, driving industrialisation.

The association said expanding nuclear technology across the continent is key to driving sustainable economic growth and industrialisation. The organisation states that wider adoption of nuclear power can help localise high-tech industries, create skilled jobs, and support a just energy transition.

“South Africa’s planned 5,000MW Nuclear New Build Programme, including the MPR and CSIF, is more than an energy project—it is a national industrialisation strategy. 

NIASA adds that local fabrication of nuclear components, civil works, and advanced engineering services will strengthen South Africa’s industrial base, while technology partnerships will transfer valuable skills and innovation capacity to local enterprises.

“The programme will also boost small and medium enterprise participation in specialised manufacturing and construction, positioning South Africa as a regional hub for nuclear infrastructure development across the African continent.”

Cover photo:  GCIS/X