South Africa’s PBMR Nuclear Project Set for Revival by Early 2026, Minister Confirms
South Africa’s long-dormant pebble-bed modular reactor project is poised for revival, with Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirming the care-and-maintenance status will be lifted by latest Q1 2026. The minister described the original decision to scrap the program as one “we live to regret” amid global interest in small modular reactor technology.
Advanced Stage of Reactivation
The process to reactivate South Africa’s dormant pebble-bed modular reactor (PBMR) project has reached an advanced stage, according to Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Sources indicate the minister plans to approach Cabinet to formally lift the care-and-maintenance program either by end of November or no later than the first quarter of next year.