South Africa’s energy minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is pushing for a massive new nuclear power plant to address the country’s ongoing electricity woes. This ambitious project, with a capacity of 2,500 megawatts (MW), would dwarf the existing Koeberg plant, currently the only nuclear facility in South Africa.
According to Bloomberg, citing the Sunday Times, the project is already in advanced stages. A dedicated team is finalizing the procurement process and securing funding for the colossal undertaking.
Ramokgopa believes the new plant is vital to ensure South Africa’s energy security. “The latest nuclear technology is not only rapid to deploy,” he said, “but also relatively cheaper and more efficient.” He acknowledged the need to determine the plant’s operator, but anticipates Eskom, the state power utility with experience running Koeberg, will likely take the helm.
The proposed plant would be a significant leap from Koeberg’s 1,940 MW capacity. Built in the 1970s and situated north of Cape Town, Koeberg has played a crucial role in providing reliable electricity to the Western Cape. It boasts the largest turbine generators in the Southern Hemisphere and holds the distinction of being the world’s southernmost nuclear power station.
Koeberg’s safety record is commendable, ranking among the safest pressurized water reactors (PWRs). It’s also Eskom’s most reliable power station and is currently undergoing a life extension program expected to keep it operational until 2045.
