South Africa’s Nuclear Renaissance: PBMR Revival Signals New Energy Era

PBMR Project Set for Reactivation After 15-Year Hiatus

South Africa’s pioneering pebble-bed modular reactor (PBMR) project, dormant since 2010, is poised for a dramatic comeback with Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirming the care-and-maintenance program will be lifted by latest Q1 2026. The announcement marks a significant turnaround for a project once considered ahead of its time but shelved due to budget constraints and shifting energy priorities., according to related news

Advanced Stage of Reactivation Process

The minister revealed that the process to revive the PBMR initiative has reached an advanced stage, with a Cabinet submission expected by end of November 2025 or within the first quarter of 2026. “The Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) is preparing for the lifting,” Ramokgopa stated during his address at Windaba 2025 in Cape Town, signaling the technical and administrative groundwork is already well underway., according to recent developments

Ramokgopa described the original decision to scrap the program as one “we live to regret,” particularly given that other nations like China have since advanced similar technology. However, he struck a pragmatic note, acknowledging that “no use crying over spilt milk” while emphasizing the current window of opportunity.

Renewed International Interest and Partnership Potential

The minister highlighted substantial global interest in reviving the PBMR project, noting that “a procession of people” has already approached Necsa’s CEO. This international attention underscores the growing recognition of small modular reactors (SMRs) as viable components of the global energy transition., according to market insights

Critical to moving forward is establishing the legal framework for partnerships. “Part of the reason we need to lift the care and maintenance is that Necsa does not currently have the legal basis to engage with a potential partner,” Ramokgopa explained. The Cabinet approval would effectively open the door to formal discussions with interested parties., according to industry reports

Innovative Financing Approach

In a significant departure from traditional energy project financing, the PBMR revival will be developed “off balance sheet.” Ramokgopa candidly acknowledged financial constraints while highlighting South Africa’s strategic advantages: “We don’t have money, but we have the infrastructure, and the suitors know that. I’m confident that the financing will be fine.”, according to additional coverage

This approach reflects a growing trend in energy infrastructure development where existing assets and technological heritage create value beyond direct financial investment.

Strategic Alignment with Global SMR Trends

The timing of the PBMR revival aligns perfectly with accelerating global interest in small modular reactors. Ramokgopa specifically identified data centers as major potential investors in SMR technology worldwide, noting that “PBMR is the underlying technology for SMRs.”

This convergence of technology readiness and market demand creates what the minister described as “a huge opportunity we are seeing here.” The recognition that South Africa possesses foundational IP in a technology now gaining global traction positions the country uniquely in the emerging SMR marketplace.

Distinct from IRP 2025 Nuclear Plans

Importantly, the PBMR revival represents a separate initiative from the 5.2 GW of nuclear capacity outlined in the newly released Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025. Ramokgopa clarified that the IRP’s nuclear component “was not a function of whether we lift the care and maintenance of the PBMR.”

The IRP 2025 envisions:

• Over 105,000 MW of new generation capacity by 2039
• R2.2-trillion in expected investment
• 5.2 GW of nuclear power using proven technology

Cautious Approach to SMR Integration

While enthusiastic about PBMR’s potential, Ramokgopa expressed caution about large-scale SMR deployment, noting that “there are two [SMRs] in the world in commercial operation and we don’t think we’ll have room for experimentation.” However, he suggested the possibility of ringfencing 100 MW of the 5.2 GW nuclear allocation for SMR technology development.

This measured approach acknowledges both the potential of emerging nuclear technologies and the practical realities of energy security requirements. “We’ll accept that this is really about a level of experimentation in partnership with people already in that space,” the minister stated., as covered previously

Addressing the Skills Challenge

Perhaps the most significant challenge identified by Ramokgopa is the scarcity of nuclear engineering skills. At the PBMR project’s peak, South Africa boasted approximately 2,000 engineers working in the sector. Many of these specialists have since moved to leading international companies, creating a substantial human capital gap that must be addressed for any nuclear expansion.

Technical Foundation and Historical Context

The PBMR represents a specific type of advanced nuclear technology—a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor that uses fuel encapsulated in graphite-coated spheres. Originally developed in South Africa between 1994 and 2009, the project was placed on care and maintenance in 2010 amid budget concerns and changing energy priorities.

The potential revival of this technology comes at a pivotal moment for global energy systems, with increasing focus on reliable, carbon-free power sources that can complement intermittent renewables. South Africa’s existing PBMR infrastructure and institutional knowledge position it uniquely to participate in the emerging advanced nuclear technology sector.

The planned reactivation of the PBMR program represents not just the revival of a single project, but potentially the rebirth of South Africa’s nuclear innovation capability at a time when advanced nuclear technologies are gaining unprecedented global attention.

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