South Africa Energy: Relaunches Nuclear Power Drive with IRP 2025

In October 2025, the South African cabinet approved the Integrated Resource Plan 2025 (IRP 2025), embedding nuclear expansion as a central pillar of national energy strategy. The plan allocates 5,200 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear capacity by 2039, within a broader expansion of more than 105,000 MW across nuclear, renewables, gas, and storage technologies.

Government planning documents indicate that the 5,200 MW target may be complemented by additional capacity under a broader nuclear industrialization initiative, which includes developing domestic supply chain capabilities and advancing fuel cycle skills development.

State-owned utility Eskom is expected to lead implementation. One of the first major projects is a proposed facility at Duynefontein (adjacent to the existing Koeberg Nuclear Power Station), where the environmental impact assessment has been approved, enabling planning for up to 4,000 MW. At a recent briefing, Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa noted that an initial 2,400 MW could be deployed at the site. Additional potential sites, including Thyspunt (Eastern Cape) and Bantamsklip (Western Cape), remain under consideration pending further regulatory review.

In parallel, the government has restarted work on the previously shelved Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) program, transitioning it back into active development under the state nuclear agency NECSA, which has identified skills development, fuel cycle capability, and small modular reactor (SMR) technology as priority focus areas.

Opportunities for U.S. Companies
1. Reactor Technology & SMR Supply
2. Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Contracts
3. Fuel Cycle, Enrichment & Fuel Supply
4. Waste Management & Storage Solutions

Call to Action:
U.S. companies seeking to explore nuclear-sector opportunities under IRP 2025 may contact the U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa at Mpilo.Mahlangu@trade.gov for tailored counseling and market-entry support.