South Africa is pressing ahead with plans to expand Africa's only commercial nuclear power programme despite recent safety incidents at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest among global reactor builders led by Russia's Rosatom and its Western rivals
South Africa's decision to press ahead with plans to expand its nuclear power programme has set the stage for a high-stakes contest among the world's leading reactor builders, with Russia's Rosatom expected to face stiff competition from Western and Asian rivals for one of Africa's most strategically important energy projects.
The move comes despite recent safety incidents at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Africa's only commercial nuclear plant, where elevated airborne radioactive contamination was detected inside controlled areas in late June and early July.
According to South Africa's National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), the incidents were contained within the facility, affected only a small number of workers under strict monitoring, and posed no risk to nearby communities or the environment.
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reiterated that the government remains committed to procuring 2,500 megawatts of new nuclear capacity as part of efforts to strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on coal and meet long-term climate goals.
