South Africa’s Eskom is holding early discussions with the World Bank and other potential financiers over plans for a major nuclear energy expansion as the country searches for more stable electricity supply and reduced dependence on coal.
The state owned utility is preparing a request for information covering up to 5,200 megawatts of new nuclear generation capacity, according to Reuters. The proposed programme would include about 4,800 megawatts from conventional nuclear reactors and another 400 megawatts from small modular reactors.
Eskom executive Bheki Nxumalo said the company is exploring multiple funding options because the utility cannot finance such a large scale project alone. Discussions reportedly also involve commercial lenders and the African Development Bank.
The company is also considering public private partnerships and vendor financing arrangements similar to the model being used by Russia’s Rosatom in Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear project.
South Africa is seeking additional baseload electricity generation as it attempts to stabilise its energy system after years of severe power shortages and rolling blackouts. Coal currently supplies most of the country’s electricity, but aging infrastructure, maintenance failures and environmental pressure have intensified the search for alternative long term power sources.
Eskom already operates Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, the only operational nuclear power facility in Africa. The utility says nuclear energy could play a major role in supporting industrial growth while helping South Africa gradually reduce emissions from coal fired generation.
Part of the proposed programme would involve using small modular reactors in Eskom’s coal to nuclear transition strategy. Officials said at least half of the planned small modular reactor capacity could eventually replace aging coal infrastructure.
The World Bank has not confirmed specific negotiations with Eskom but recently signaled greater openness to supporting nuclear energy projects for countries that choose nuclear power as part of their energy mix.
Environmental groups and some local communities continue opposing expanded nuclear development due to safety concerns, project costs and radioactive waste management challenges. Critics also warn that large nuclear projects can face long construction timelines and major budget overruns.
Despite the concerns, Eskom said it plans to approach the market for both conventional reactors and small modular reactor technologies within the next 12 months.
The discussions highlight how several African countries are increasingly exploring nuclear energy as demand for reliable electricity rises alongside industrialisation, population growth and energy transition pressures.
Stay ahead of the stories shaping our world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire for timely, curated insights on global tech, business, and innovation all in one place.
Dive deeper into the future with the Cause Effect 4.0 Podcast, where we explore the ideas, trends, and technologies driving the global AI conversation.
Got a story to share? Pitch it to us at info@impactnews-wire.com and reach the right audience worldwide
Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
Discover more from Impact Newswire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
