Eskom Moves Forward with 5,200MW Nuclear Expansion as Procurement Process Readies for Public Input

Feasibility Programme Submitted for Major Nuclear Project

South Africa’s energy landscape is set for a significant shift as Eskom has formally submitted its feasibility programme for a proposed 5,200MW nuclear power expansion. This marks a decisive step towards bolstering the nation’s nuclear energy capacity, with the government now preparing to launch a public consultation process on the plan.

Part of Integrated Resource Plan 2025

The nuclear expansion initiative is embedded in South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which emphasizes the addition of new nuclear infrastructure to secure electricity supply and underpin economic growth. The IRP is the government’s blueprint for meeting future power needs and balancing energy generation sources.

Government Prepares for Public Consultation

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced the submission during the South African Nuclear and Clean Energy Conference. Plans are underway for a proposed determination that will be made available to the public for comment. The minister highlighted that this consultation will be rooted in factual and scientific evidence.

“We will put the case for additional capacity before the public and consider submissions on their merits,” Ramokgopa noted.

The process is designed to encourage informed public participation and ensure that all feedback is given due consideration as the country weighs its energy future.

Procurement and Oversight Procedures

The publication of the official determination will prompt the start of the procurement process for the new nuclear build. Throughout the project, the National Nuclear Regulator is tasked with overseeing safety and licensing, maintaining stringent checks at each stage.

Learning from Past Power Station Challenges

Reflecting on South Africa’s previous major power station projects, Ramokgopa emphasized that government is determined to avoid the mistakes experienced during the Medupi and Kusile builds. He described those projects as a template for what to avoid and stressed the importance of improved planning and execution for the nuclear programme.

“It’s a template on how not to do things. We are going to learn from that and unlearn from those experiences so that this nuclear build programme is not a casualty of poor planning,” he stated.

Addressing Skills Shortages

The construction of a large-scale nuclear facility demands highly specialized skills. The minister acknowledged concerns over the current shortage of local expertise, noting the country has not undertaken a nuclear build in around half a century.

To address this, government intends to collaborate with international partners to train South African engineers and develop necessary capabilities within the local workforce. Building skilled teams is seen as vital for a successful, safe, and timely project rollout.

Nuclear and Coal: Complementary Energy Sources

The future relationship between nuclear and coal-fired power was also discussed. Ramokgopa explained that nuclear and coal infrastructure could continue to operate alongside each other, with decisions regarding plant closure or continued operation based on technical condition, cost-efficiency, and environmental obligations.

“Some stations may have a case for longer operation, and others will retire,” he said.

This approach aims to balance South Africa’s ongoing energy security with sustainability commitments.

Next Steps for South Africa’s Nuclear Ambitions

The move to expand nuclear capacity marks a pivotal moment in national energy planning. Should the procurement process move forward smoothly and robust public consultation take place, South Africa will edge closer to a diversified, more secure power sector. The government’s intent to apply lessons from past projects and to address skills shortages signals a pragmatic approach to realizing one of the country’s most ambitious power infrastructure projects in recent years.