Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African government has put its plans to build a new nuclear power station on hold to allow for broader public consultation. The decision comes after legal challenges were lodged against the government’s December announcement to procure an additional 2,500 megawatts of nuclear power.
Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa acknowledged on Friday that there had been insufficient public input on the matter and withdrew a government gazette that would have initiated the procurement process. The government will now revise a report outlining the conditions set by the energy regulator and engage with the public again.
Despite the delay, Ramokgopa affirmed the government’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy beyond the existing Koeberg plant, Africa’s only operational nuclear power station. However, he emphasized the need for a procurement process that can withstand scrutiny. The minister estimated that the delay could extend the procurement timeline by three to six months.
The decision comes amid skepticism about the government’s nuclear ambitions, particularly in the wake of a failed 9,600 megawatt deal with Russia during the Jacob Zuma era. South Africa has grappled with severe power cuts in recent years, but the country has been without load shedding for over four months. The government is currently implementing reforms to create a more competitive electricity market.
The Koeberg plant, located outside Cape Town, recently received a 20-year life extension.
