South Africa: nuclear project postponed for public consultation

South Africa postpones the tender for a new 2,500 MW nuclear power plant, responding to demands for transparency and legal challenges from civil society and the new government coalition.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

South Africa has decided to postpone the launch of its nuclear power plant project to better address legal concerns and improve public consultation.
The project, which aims to add 2,500 MW to the national grid, has been criticized for its lack of transparency, leading to protests from the Democratic Alliance (DA), now part of the government coalition, and several NGOs.
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, therefore announced the temporary withdrawal of the official document authorizing the launch of the call for tenders, while he strengthened public participation and adjusted the report supporting the project.
This decision comes at a time when the country’s energy capacity is under strain, with a pressing need to increase production to avoid further blackouts.
The nuclear project is seen as a strategic response to this challenge, but the lessons of the past, notably the failure of the 9,600 MW agreement with Russia under President Jacob Zuma, oblige the government to act with impeccable transparency.

Electricity market reforms and legal issues

At the same time, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act marks a significant turning point in the regulation of South Africa’s electricity market.
This law aims to introduce more competition into a sector historically dominated by Eskom, the state-owned operator.
The aim is to make the market more dynamic and improve the efficiency of electricity distribution, an imperative for an economy heavily impacted by power cuts.
The postponement of the nuclear project, although seen as a temporary setback, is part of a wider strategy to restructure the energy sector.
The delay, estimated at between three and six months, will ensure that the tendering process is protected from any subsequent legal recourse, a necessity to avoid the mistakes that marked the aborted agreement with Russia.
The reforms underway underline the government’s commitment to creating a more competitive and transparent market environment.
However, the need to meet growing energy needs remains a major challenge, and industry professionals are keeping a close eye on developments in this area, aware of the potential impact of delays on the country’s energy stability.

Impact on South Africa’s energy strategy

South Africa, as the only African nation with an operational nuclear power plant, is at a critical crossroads in its energy policy.
The 20-year life extension of the Koeberg plant confirms the importance of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix, despite public reluctance and legal challenges.
The government, while proceeding cautiously, continues to regard nuclear power as an essential pillar of its strategy to guarantee a stable and diversified supply.
Ongoing consultations aim to consolidate this approach, while ensuring that the regulatory framework and procurement processes are aligned with international best practice.
The postponement of the project also reflects the need for the government to gain the trust of stakeholders, particularly in a sector where past mistakes have left lasting traces.
The emphasis on transparency and public participation marks a change in tone, but time is running out for the country to meet its energy targets while navigating between legal constraints and decarbonization imperatives.

More than 40 developers will gather in Livingstone from 26 to 28 November to turn Southern Africa’s energy commitments into bankable and interconnected projects.
Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.
The United States has threatened economic sanctions against International Maritime Organization members who approve a global carbon tax on international shipping emissions.
Global progress on electricity access slowed in 2024, with only 11 million new connections, despite targeted efforts in parts of Africa and Asia.
A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.