The de-mothballing of South Africa’s second nuclear energy solution, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) at the Pelindaba site, in the North West province, was formally announced by Energy and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in November last year. This represents a renewed commitment to energy security and diversification, positioning South Africa as a leader in small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

“Although the project will still be referred to as the PBMR, the actual original PBMR design will not be reactivated,” says nuclear physicist and Stratek Global chairperson Dr Kelvin Kemm.

The project will now comprise a general SMR development linked to the original PBMR concept and approach.

During the fifteen years that the original PBMR had been dormant, another more streamlined reactor – the high temperature modular reactor (HTMR)-100 – was developed privately by teams led by Stratek Global.

Kemm says the HTMR-100 project is at an advanced stage, as it has been under continuous development for more than a decade.

He regards the HTMR-100 as the frontrunner for not only South African nuclear deployment but also for Africa, adding that “ . . . what is now essential is a private–public partnership approach, as indicated by Ramokgopa”.

Adding to the Mix

Kemm says the new PBMR project “will make a massive contribution” to not only the energy sector but also the manufacturing sector.

He notes that, from an energy perspective, the integration of helium-cooled SMRs introduces a “transformative paradigm” in energy supply infrastructure. This is because Stratek’s design intentionally eliminates the need for water-based cooling systems, allowing for installation flexibility across diverse geographic locations.

Consequently, nuclear power generation facilities can be situated in more arid locations and closer to end-users, eliminating geographic constraints and bypassing the need for extensive, high-voltage transmission networks.

“This allows for strategic deployment of SMRs within remote inland regions, such as mining complexes, for example, within the proposed Limpopo Special Economic Zone, or in small municipalities seeking to expand their industrial capabilities.”

In 2022, the EU designated nuclear energy as a ‘green’ technological option, affirming its classification as a sustainable and environmentally-forward energy source.

This designation supports the long operational life span of nuclear plants – anywhere up to 99 years – while affirming their environmental neutrality and facilitating green financing opportunities.

A strategic objective for South Africa, Kemm notes, is the development of domestically manufactured reactors for domestic energy needs and export markets, with such initiatives being projected to stimulate substantial local industrial activity, thereby contributing to the national economy.

“The main challenge facing the PBMR project is to get adequate private funding. For that, we need a clear indication of government and private collaboration.”

He adds that the Stratek Global team has organised face-to-face meetings with eight African countries: “There’s huge interest in many African countries in pursuing nuclear into the future, particularly SMRs, because it is so clearly the obvious answer”.

Right Side of History

Kemm points out that South Africa saw the potential value of SMR technology more than 30 years ago: “In 1995, I was invited to present the South African case to the World Nuclear Association in London”.

He adds that while a large number of people attended the presentation, global consensus at the time was that larger reactors were better.

Although the need for large reactors is evident, Kemm stresses there is “definitely a market for both”.

“The initial foresight has, however, been shown to be correct, and many groups globally are now hurrying to follow the South African lead in developing a workable SMR programme,” he concludes.