Nuclear Energy Key to South Africa's Climate Goals and Energy Stability: Deputy Minister

"Nuclear is a critical component of South Africa’s energy mix, offering a low-carbon, reliable energy source that contributes significantly to the country’s energy security and climate goals," the Deputy Minister said.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity, Samantha Graham-Maré, has affirmed the growing global consensus on the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change. Speaking at the Nuclear Seminar in Tshwane on Thursday, Graham-Maré highlighted nuclear energy as a crucial element in the global effort to mitigate the impact of climate change and South Africa's Just Energy Transition.

"Nuclear is a critical component of South Africa’s energy mix, offering a low-carbon, reliable energy source that contributes significantly to the country’s energy security and climate goals," the Deputy Minister said.

She reiterated South Africa's commitment to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019, which includes a target of 2,500 MW of nuclear power to stabilize the power grid, drive reindustrialization, and support economic growth and job creation. While acknowledging the urgency of new nuclear projects, Graham-Maré emphasized that public participation, regulatory compliance, transparency, and openness in decision-making will not be compromised.

To address lingering negative perceptions of nuclear energy, she pointed out the need to shift public opinion. “Nuclear still carries a stigma, largely due to outdated fears from the Cold War era,” she said, stressing the importance of open dialogue and education.

This seminar marks the start of broader engagement with the nuclear industry in South Africa, a process that the Deputy Minister hopes will become a regular feature of the country’s energy agenda.