South Africa has unveiled a new energy blueprint that revives its ambitions for nuclear power and increases the role of natural gas. The plan, announced by Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, signals a significant shift in the nation’s future energy mix.
A revised Integrated Resource Plan, recently approved by the cabinet, outlines a massive 2.23 trillion rand ($128 billion) investment in energy infrastructure by 2042. This strategy will drastically alter the country’s power generation sources.
The most notable change is a move away from coal, whose contribution is projected to fall to 27% from the current 58% over the next 14 years. Replacing this capacity will be a substantial expansion of nuclear and gas power. These two sources are set to grow from 3% to 16% of total generation capacity. This includes the controversial initiative to develop a modular nuclear reactor program, marking a renewed commitment to atomic energy as part of South Africa’s long-term electricity solution.
