New Nuclear Frontier: South Africa investigating advanced nuclear fission reactor technology

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has officially began exploring the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into the national power grid. By issuing a formal Expression of Interest (EOI), Necsa is inviting private sector players to provide critical data on the technical specifications and logistical feasibility of deploying these portable units locally. This move signals a strategic shift toward diversifying South Africa’s energy mix with flexible, next-generation nuclear technology. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Professor Vally Padayachee, power and energy expert and a former executive manager of Eskom and a former senior executive of City Power Jhb. .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.