Africa is pioneering nuclear innovation as it faces a dire electricity crisis

Recent TRISO recycling development includes a Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) project to demonstrate a full-scale TRISO recycling process by 2027.

Additionally, a validation study for Deep Isolation's Universal Canister System (UCS) with Kairos Power's TRISO fuel was completed in May 2025, demonstrating the system's viability for storing, transporting, and disposing of TRISO fuel in deep boreholes and mined repositories.

South African National Nuclear Regulator

South Africa has one of the oldest nuclear regulators in the world. In 1948, the Atomic Energy Act established the Atomic Energy Board (AEB) with the immediate objective of regulating the uranium industry in South Africa. The AEB later became the Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC). South Africa became a founding member state of the International Atomic Energy Agencyin 1957.

For operating reactor power plants, The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR)monitors the licensing conditions, operating technical specifications compliance and maintenance & testing regime compliance and achievement to standards set. It also monitors the modifications and improvement programs to ensure continual improvements to international standards.

Over the years the South African NNR has shown itself to be a most effective organization, and is well equipped to license large reactors, as well as high temperature gas cooled reactors.

Nuclear installations as defined in the National Act, can only be sited, constructed, operated and decommissioned under a Nuclear Installation License. Operations covered include nuclear medicine facilities in hospitals, and mining operations which deal with radioactive substances such as uranium.

The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, located 30 km north of Cape Town, South Africa, is the only commercial nuclear power plant in Africa. It features two pressurized water reactors (PWRs) designed by Framatome of France, with construction starting in 1976. Unit 1 was synchronized to the grid on April 4, 1984, and Unit 2 on July 25, 1985.

Economic transformation potential

The economic implications of domestic nuclear manufacturing extend far beyond energy security. Dr. Robert Jeffrey has assessed the economic potential of SMRs and the report revealed "phenomenal" export opportunities that will positively impact South Africa's balance of payments - a benefit that would extend to any developing nation establishing nuclear manufacturing capabilities.

Nuclear construction projects in South Africa could contribute as much as 2% GDP growth over the next decade, before the reactors even come online. Unlike solar farms, which offer limited local skills transfer, nuclear projects require extensive engineering fabrication, high-skilled manufacturing, and sophisticated operational expertise. This creates opportunities for reskilling and upskilling across multiple sectors, from welding and construction to advanced engineering and physics.

SMRs enable multiple applications beyond electricity generation, including seawater desalination, nuclear isotope production for medical applications, and research and development activities. This multi-purpose capability means developing nations can maximize their return on nuclear investments while addressing multiple infrastructure needs simultaneously.