Africa’s largest economy, South Africa, has announced plans to build 5,200 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear power capacity as part of its long-term strategy to secure reliable and cleaner energy.
Minister of Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said the project will form a key component of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which outlines the country’s energy roadmap through 2039.
Ramokgopa explained that the government will adopt a transparent approach to the procurement process, ensuring that nuclear energy plays a central role in the country’s clean energy transition.
“We will be building 5,200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity in this country. I have made the point that the state will not prevaricate.
“The state will ensure that we are very deliberate, we are transparent in the manner in which we are going to procure this clean energy solution,” he said.
He added the broader energy plan targets an additional 105,000 MW of new generation capacity by 2039, a scale he described as equivalent to building Eskom two and a half times over.
According to the minister, the future energy mix will also include 25,000 MW of solar PV, 34,000 MW of wind, 16,000 MW of gas, 8,500 MW of storage, and 16,000 MW of distributed generation.
He noted that the plan represents the largest post-apartheid investment programme in South Africa’s power sector, aimed at achieving long-term energy security and supporting industrial growth.
Other development
In August, The Environment Minister, Dion George approved the construction of a 4,000 MW nuclear power station at Duynefontein in the Western Cape Province.
The facility, to be developed by Eskom, will sit adjacent to the existing Koeberg Nuclear Power Station — Africa’s only operational commercial nuclear plant, which has powered the national grid since 1984.
In a related development, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, disclosed that South Africa is exploring investment partnerships with Russia and Iran to expand its civilian nuclear capacity.
The move comes amid growing tensions with the United States, a situation analysts warn could delay the renewal of certain strategic energy agreements.
Ramokgopa emphasized that the state will drive the generation build-out, noting that excessive reliance on market forces has previously undermined supply security.
He added that the IRP 2025 signals a shift toward a state-led and diversified energy model, one designed to stabilize electricity supply and reduce emissions in South Africa’s power sector.
