- The estimated cost for the initial nuclear reactors is around R9 billion and will consist of four units, each with a capacity of 80MW.
- The independent power producer (IPP) aims to secure a licence from the National Nuclear Regulator next year.
A feasibility study is underway for the first of a series of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) planned for construction in the Western Cape. A consortium led by South African venture capitalist André Pienaar’s C5 Capital is conducting the study. The independent power producer (IPP) aims to secure a licence from the National Nuclear Regulator next year. Once the survey is complete, C5 will initiate formal negotiations with Eskom to make the system operational within three years.
Moneyweb reports that the consortium is considering a design proposed by the local nuclear company Stratek Global. Based on 25 years of development, this design is a variation of the pebble-bed modular reactor, initially developed by an Eskom subsidiary before its closure in 2010. The Stratek design employs helium as a coolant, eliminating the need for proximity to large water sources, a characteristic of conventional reactors. In addition, it produces its fuel locally in ball-shaped units, approximately the size of a cricket ball.
The estimated cost of the initial reactor is around R9 billion and will consist of four units, each with a capacity of 80MW. The preferred location for the first reactor is Eskom’s Koeberg site. The consortium’s long-term objective is to establish a network with a total generation capacity of 1 800MW, equivalent to that of Koeberg. This expansion aims to strengthen the Western Cape’s grid resilience, particularly in light of ongoing disruptions at Koeberg.