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South Africa Extends Koeberg 20 Years, Revives PBMR and Approves Duynefontein for 4,000 MW

Officials frame the move as a cornerstone for stable, low‑carbon power.

Overview

  • The National Nuclear Regulator granted 20‑year operating licences for Koeberg Units 1 and 2, extending their lives to July 2044 and November 2045.
  • The Pebble Bed Modular Reactor project was lifted from care and maintenance, with fuel development laboratories reopening and Eskom to establish a dedicated PBMR subsidiary.
  • Eskom targets about 5.2 GW of additional nuclear capacity, with a fully permitted 4,000 MW new‑build site confirmed at Duynefontein.
  • Government proposed up to R2.1 billion for a Central Interim Storage Facility, with NRWDI designated to manage off‑site spent fuel.
  • Koeberg will continue delivering roughly 1,860 MW to the grid as officials link the nuclear push to the IRP, expanded fuel‑cycle participation and South Africa’s medical isotope role.