The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) has issued a call for expressions of interest (EOI) from potential partners to support the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), marking a shift from policy positioning toward early-stage implementation of South Africa’s nuclear ambitions.
The EOI process seeks to identify technology vendors, investors and strategic partners capable of supporting the deployment of SMR technologies in line with national energy planning objectives. NECSA said the initiative is part of efforts to advance nuclear as a component of South Africa’s future energy mix.
The move aligns with the country’s updated planning framework under the Integrated Resource Plan 2025, which includes nuclear as part of a diversified generation portfolio aimed at strengthening long-term energy security.
NECSA indicated that SMRs are being considered for electricity generation and broader industrial applications, including process heat and support for strategic sectors such as isotope production. The modular nature of the technology is expected to allow for more flexible deployment compared to conventional large-scale nuclear plants.
The EOI represents an early step in establishing a delivery pathway with the process intended to assess available technologies, partnership models and potential funding structures. NECSA said the programme will rely on collaboration between the public and private sectors to progress development.
