Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Energy and Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the establishment of an expert panel to provide guidance on the planned procurement of 2,500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy. This development is part of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix, a priority outlined in the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for 2019.
The announcement came during a Nuclear Seminar held in Gauteng on 12 September 2024, where the Minister outlined the government’s plan to carefully consider the pace and scale of nuclear energy adoption. The expert advisory team will play a critical role in advising Ramokgopa on the feasibility of this ambitious project before a formal procurement framework is submitted to Cabinet .
Government’s Approach to Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power has been identified as a potential long-term solution to South Africa’s energy crisis. Despite the push for renewable energy and ongoing efforts to stabilise the power grid through sources like solar and wind, nuclear energy remains part of the conversation as the country seeks to ensure energy security. This comes amid frequent load shedding and the growing demand for a reliable baseload power source.
The 2,500MW nuclear project has faced its share of challenges, including legal battles and public opposition. In August 2024, Ramokgopa withdrew a determination for the procurement of nuclear energy under Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act due to concerns about insufficient public consultation. This move was largely influenced by legal challenges raised by civil society groups and opposition parties, such as Earthlife Africa and the Democratic Alliance (DA) .
The Role of the Expert Panel
Minister Ramokgopa emphasised that the newly assembled expert panel would help shape a comprehensive nuclear procurement plan that addresses both affordability and transparency. The panel will assess the financial implications and determine the most appropriate scale at which the nuclear programme should be implemented. The findings of the expert group will also inform the next steps in the public consultation process and the drafting of a procurement framework .
Ramokgopa stressed the importance of maintaining an open and democratic process, where all energy technologies and fuel sources will be considered, ensuring that South Africa’s energy sovereignty is upheld. The expert panel’s advice will guide the nation in choosing a path that balances energy needs, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility .
Past Controversies and the Way Forward
Nuclear energy remains a controversial subject in South Africa, primarily due to its cost and the country’s past procurement attempts, which were marred by allegations of corruption and irregularities. However, Ramokgopa assured the public that the current approach will be different. This time, the government aims to ensure that the nuclear procurement process is transparent and credible, thus avoiding the missteps of previous efforts .
The Minister reiterated that nuclear energy is part of a larger strategy to diversify the energy mix, alongside renewables, natural gas, and coal. He assured that the procurement process for the 2,500MW nuclear capacity would be handled with care, ensuring that any nuclear expansion is affordable and meets the country’s long-term energy needs .
Public Participation and Legal Compliance
As part of ensuring transparency, Ramokgopa highlighted that the procurement framework would be subject to public participation before any major decisions are made. The government aims to consult with various stakeholders, including environmental groups, energy experts, and the public, to ensure that all voices are heard in the development of South Africa’s nuclear strategy.
While the 2019 IRP has laid the groundwork for nuclear energy as part of the country’s future energy mix, the plan will only move forward if it is deemed financially and environmentally sustainable. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is expected to play a significant role in ensuring that any decisions related to nuclear energy procurement comply with regulatory frameworks and public interest .
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