News
November 14, 2025
Cabinet gives go-ahead to revive pebble bed modular reactor programme
The move aligns with government’s latest Integrated Resource Plan that relies heavily on nuclear and renewable sources to generate the majority of South Africa’s electricity by 2039.
**South Africa Revives Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Programme in Push for Clean Energy**
In a significant move towards diversifying its energy mix, the South African Cabinet has approved the revival of the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR) programme. This decision underscores the government's commitment to its latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which envisions a future powered primarily by nuclear and renewable energy sources. The IRP sets an ambitious goal: to generate the majority of South Africa’s electricity from these cleaner sources by 2039.
The PBMR programme, initially launched in the early 2000s, was aimed at developing a new generation of nuclear reactors that are smaller, safer, and more efficient than traditional designs. These reactors utilize a unique fuel design, consisting of thousands of tiny "pebbles" containing uranium fuel. This design is intended to inherently limit the possibility of a meltdown, making it a potentially safer alternative to conventional nuclear power plants.
While the original PBMR project faced setbacks and was eventually put on hold due to financial constraints and concerns about its feasibility, the renewed focus reflects a growing urgency to address South Africa's energy crisis and transition towards a low-carbon economy. The country has been plagued by frequent power outages and relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
The revival of the PBMR programme signals a strategic shift towards embracing nuclear technology as a key component of the nation's energy future. Proponents argue that PBMRs offer a reliable and consistent source of electricity, capable of supplementing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Moreover, they believe that the technology can contribute to job creation and economic growth through the development of a local nuclear industry.
However, the decision is likely to spark debate. Concerns surrounding the cost of nuclear energy, the management of nuclear waste, and the potential risks associated with nuclear technology are expected to be raised. The government will need to address these concerns transparently and ensure that the revived PBMR programme adheres to the highest safety standards and environmental regulations.
The path forward for the PBMR programme remains to be seen. The government will likely need to secure significant investment and expertise to successfully develop and deploy these reactors. Nonetheless, the Cabinet's approval marks a significant step towards transforming South Africa's energy landscape and achieving its ambitious clean energy goals.
In a significant move towards diversifying its energy mix, the South African Cabinet has approved the revival of the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR) programme. This decision underscores the government's commitment to its latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which envisions a future powered primarily by nuclear and renewable energy sources. The IRP sets an ambitious goal: to generate the majority of South Africa’s electricity from these cleaner sources by 2039.
The PBMR programme, initially launched in the early 2000s, was aimed at developing a new generation of nuclear reactors that are smaller, safer, and more efficient than traditional designs. These reactors utilize a unique fuel design, consisting of thousands of tiny "pebbles" containing uranium fuel. This design is intended to inherently limit the possibility of a meltdown, making it a potentially safer alternative to conventional nuclear power plants.
While the original PBMR project faced setbacks and was eventually put on hold due to financial constraints and concerns about its feasibility, the renewed focus reflects a growing urgency to address South Africa's energy crisis and transition towards a low-carbon economy. The country has been plagued by frequent power outages and relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
The revival of the PBMR programme signals a strategic shift towards embracing nuclear technology as a key component of the nation's energy future. Proponents argue that PBMRs offer a reliable and consistent source of electricity, capable of supplementing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Moreover, they believe that the technology can contribute to job creation and economic growth through the development of a local nuclear industry.
However, the decision is likely to spark debate. Concerns surrounding the cost of nuclear energy, the management of nuclear waste, and the potential risks associated with nuclear technology are expected to be raised. The government will need to address these concerns transparently and ensure that the revived PBMR programme adheres to the highest safety standards and environmental regulations.
The path forward for the PBMR programme remains to be seen. The government will likely need to secure significant investment and expertise to successfully develop and deploy these reactors. Nonetheless, the Cabinet's approval marks a significant step towards transforming South Africa's energy landscape and achieving its ambitious clean energy goals.
Category:
Technology