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South Africa Relaunches Nuclear Programme With Koeberg Licence Extensions and Duynefontein Build Approval

Officials say the package shifts policy into execution by coupling long-term operation at Koeberg with new capacity plans, a PBMR restart and funded interim waste storage.

Overview

  • The National Nuclear Regulator granted 20‑year operating licences for Koeberg Units 1 and 2, with Unit 1 licensed to 2044 and Unit 2 to 2045.
  • Eskom received approval for a 4,000 MW nuclear new build at the Duynefontein site as part of the Integrated Resource Plan.
  • Eskom plans approximately 5.2 GW of additional nuclear capacity and is exploring further sites in the Eastern Cape.
  • The Pebble Bed Modular Reactor programme is being revived from care and maintenance, with fuel development laboratories set to reopen and an Eskom PBMR subsidiary announced.
  • Government committed up to R2.1 billion for a Central Interim Storage Facility, with NRWDI tasked to manage off‑site spent fuel, while officials highlight industrial and medical‑isotope benefits.