South Africa Re-opens Bids for Nuclear Reactor Construction, Citing Energy Needs
Pretoria, South Africa – October 20, 2025, 07:00 SAST – South Africa is actively pursuing the construction of new nuclear power plants as part of a revised energy plan unveiled this week, marking a notable shift towards nuclear energy to bolster energy security and drive industrial expansion. The move follows years of stalled progress on a large-scale nuclear build program initially proposed in the late 2000s, and comes amid growing international investment in African nuclear infrastructure.
The decision to revive the nuclear reactor project addresses a critical energy shortfall impacting South Africa’s economic growth and industrial capacity. Years of power outages, known as “load shedding,” have hampered businesses and daily life. The government anticipates that nuclear power will provide a stable baseload electricity supply,reducing reliance on aging coal-fired plants and accelerating the country’s transition to a more diversified energy mix. This advancement affects not only South African businesses and citizens, but also international investors and development partners increasingly focused on financing energy projects across the continent. the next phase involves a formal procurement process and securing funding, with potential operational capacity expected within the next decade.
A surge of interest from international investors and development partners across africa is fueling the renewed focus on nuclear infrastructure. These entities view nuclear energy as a vital component in achieving energy security,fostering industrial growth,and building climate resilience. South Africa’s re-engagement with nuclear power aligns with this broader continental trend, perhaps positioning the nation as a regional leader in nuclear technology and expertise.
