South Africa Is Building Nuclear Power Again. Here’s Why.

Video Description:
South Africa is once again planning a major expansion of nuclear power. After more than 40 years of relying on Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, the government is now targeting 5,200 MW of new nuclear power by 2039, with potential projects at Duynefontein, Thyspunt and Bantamsklip, while South Africa is also exploring a new generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). In this video, we take a deep look at the current and future state of nuclear power in South Africa, from Koeberg’s ageing reactors and their licence extensions, to the proposed 4,000 MW Duynefontein project, the potential 5,200 MW Thyspunt nuclear power station, and the revival of South Africa’s Pebble Bed Modular Reactor technology. After decades of proposals that never made it to construction, South Africa’s nuclear programme is entering a new phase. The question is whether these projects will actually get built, and whether nuclear should become one of the foundations of South Africa’s future electricity system.

What do you think? Should South Africa build more nuclear power, or should the country focus primarily on renewables, storage and grid infrastructure? Let me know in the comments.