South Africa’s Nuclear Renaissance: PBMR Revival Signals Strategic Energy Shift

PBMR Project Set to Emerge From Hibernation

South Africa’s pioneering pebble-bed modular reactor (PBMR) program is poised for a dramatic comeback, with Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announcing that the dormant nuclear project will be lifted from care and maintenance by the first quarter of next year at the latest. The minister revealed that the process has reached an advanced stage, with a Cabinet submission expected by November 2025., according to industry developments

PBMR Project Set to Emerge From Hibernation
From Regret to Redemption: Learning From Past Decisions
Unlocking Legal and Partnership Pathways
Strategic Distinction: PBMR vs IRP 2025 Nuclear Plans
SMR Technology: Cautious Optimism Amid Global Trends
Addressing the Critical Skills Shortage
Strategic Implications for South Africa’s Energy Future

From Regret to Redemption: Learning From Past Decisions

Minister Ramokgopa openly described the original decision to shelve the PBMR program in 2010 as one “we live to regret”, particularly as countries like China have since advanced similar technology. However, he struck a pragmatic note, acknowledging that “it’s no use crying over spilt milk” as the government prepares to reverse course on what was once considered a promising nuclear innovation.

The PBMR represents a specialized form of small modular reactor (SMR) technology that uses tennis ball-sized graphite spheres containing uranium particles as fuel. Originally developed between 1994 and 2009, the high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor design was positioned as a potentially safer, more efficient nuclear option before being mothballed amid escalating costs and shifting priorities.

Unlocking Legal and Partnership Pathways

A critical barrier currently preventing progress is the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa’s (Necsa) lack of legal authority to engage potential partners. Lifting the care-and-maintenance status would provide the necessary legal foundation for Necsa to begin serious negotiations with interested parties., according to market analysis

Ramokgopa noted significant international interest, revealing that “a procession of people” has already approached Necsa’s CEO about potential collaboration. The minister expressed confidence in the project’s financial viability despite government budget constraints, emphasizing that the development would occur off balance sheet using existing infrastructure to attract investment.

Strategic Distinction: PBMR vs IRP 2025 Nuclear Plans

The PBMR revival represents a separate initiative from the 5.2 GW of nuclear capacity outlined in South Africa’s newly released Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025. Minister Ramokgopa clarified that the IRP’s nuclear component “is not a function of whether we lift the care and maintenance of the PBMR,” indicating distinct strategic pathways for nuclear development.

While the IRP 2025 envisions massive energy expansion—promising over 105,000 MW of new generation capacity by 2039 with an expected investment of R2.2-trillion—its nuclear component will likely rely on established pressurized water reactor technology similar to that used at the Koeberg nuclear facility.

SMR Technology: Cautious Optimism Amid Global Trends

The minister expressed tempered expectations for immediate SMR deployment, noting that “there are two in the world in commercial operation and we don’t think we’ll have room for experimentation.” However, he suggested the possibility of dedicating approximately 100 MW of the IRP’s 5.2 GW nuclear allocation to SMR technology as a controlled testing ground.

Ramokgopa identified the growing interest from global data centers in SMR technology as a significant opportunity, noting that “the PBMR is the underlying technology for SMRs” and represents “a huge opportunity we are seeing here.”

Addressing the Critical Skills Shortage

Perhaps the most significant challenge facing South Africa’s nuclear ambitions is the scarcity of specialized skills. The minister highlighted that at the PBMR’s development peak, South Africa had approximately 2,000 engineers working in the nuclear sector, many of whom have since moved to leading international companies.

This brain drain represents both a challenge and an opportunity—as the program revives, it may attract experienced professionals back to South Africa’s nuclear industry while creating new pathways for developing domestic expertise in advanced nuclear technologies.

Strategic Implications for South Africa’s Energy Future

The PBMR’s potential revival signals a strategic pivot in South Africa’s energy policy, representing:, as our earlier report

Technological sovereignty in advanced nuclear development
Diversification beyond traditional energy sources
Positioning in the global SMR market
Potential export opportunities for homegrown nuclear technology
Addressing base-load power challenges while supporting decarbonization goals

As South Africa prepares to make this significant energy decision, the world will be watching closely. The successful revival of the PBMR program could position South Africa as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology while addressing persistent energy security challenges through innovative, homegrown solutions.