South Africa’s Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the country is fully capable of operating nuclear power as part of its long-term energy strategy.
Speaking over the weekend, Ramokgopa unveiled the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, a roadmap aimed at resolving South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis and revitalising economic growth. As part of this ambitious plan, the government intends to invest R2.2 trillion—roughly 30% of the nation’s GDP—in a sweeping energy transformation strategy.
The IRP focuses on stabilising electricity supply, promoting industrial development, and creating jobs, with a goal of reaching 3% GDP growth by 2030.
“There is no economy that grows if the lights are off. There are no industries that will decide to locate in South Africa if we can’t guarantee them available electricity that is of good quality and that is affordable,” said Ramokgopa.
The plan also marks a historic shift in South Africa’s energy mix. According to the South African Government News Agency, cleaner energy sources – including hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar – are set to surpass coal for the first time in the country’s history.
By 2039, the government aims to add 105 000 megawatts of new generation capacity – essentially building an electricity supply two and a half times the size of Eskom’s current capacity.
Key targets by 2030 include:
- 11,270 MW of solar photovoltaics (PV)
- 7,340 MW of wind energy
- 6,000 MW of gas-to-power
- 5,200 MW of new nuclear capacity
At present, South Africa’s energy mix is heavily reliant on coal, which accounts for 58% of installed capacity. This is followed by 10% from rooftop PV, 10% from grid-connected solar PV, 8% from wind, and just 3% from nuclear energy.
