Necsa’s Small Modular Reactor Project Draws Global Interest

South Africa's ambition to re-enter the global nuclear innovation space is gaining traction, with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) attracting significant international and local interest in its planned Small Modular Reactor (SMR) demonstration project.

The development follows a compulsory supplier briefing session held this week, which drew 54 prospective partners from 12 countries, highlighting growing global confidence in South Africa's nuclear energy programme and its potential role in the future energy mix.

Strong response to SMR Expression of Interest

The briefing forms part of Necsa's recently issued Expression of Interest (EOI), released at the end of March 2026, which invites companies to participate in the development of a demonstration SMR project. The submission deadline is set for 29 May 2026.

Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe said the high level of participation reflects strong market interest in the programme.

"The briefing session provided a platform to clarify technical, commercial and strategic aspects of Necsa's SMR programme," Tyabashe said.

He noted that the diversity of participants—including nuclear technology developers, engineering firms, and research institutions—demonstrates the global momentum behind SMR technologies.

What are SMRs and why they matter

Small Modular Reactors are advanced nuclear systems designed to be smaller, more flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional large-scale nuclear plants.

They offer several advantages:

• Lower upfront capital costs

• Faster construction timelines

• Scalability to match energy demand

• Enhanced safety features through advanced design

• Suitability for remote or industrial applications

Globally, SMRs are being positioned as a key solution for energy security, decarbonisation, and stable baseload power—particularly as countries transition away from fossil fuels.

Strategic importance for South Africa's energy mix

South Africa's electricity system continues to face supply constraints, ageing infrastructure, and increasing demand. In this context, SMRs are being explored as a complementary solution to renewable energy sources, providing reliable, low-carbon baseload power.

Energy analysts suggest that if successfully implemented, SMRs could:

• Reduce dependence on coal-fired power

• Support grid stability alongside renewables

• Enable industrial energy applications such as hydrogen production

• Create high-skilled jobs in engineering and technology

The demonstration project is expected to serve as a proof-of-concept for future nuclear deployments in the country.

Next phase: competitive bidding and partnerships

Following the EOI submission deadline, Necsa will evaluate proposals and shortlist qualifying participants for the next stage—a formal Request for Proposals (RFP).

This phased approach is intended to ensure a competitive and transparent procurement process, while allowing Necsa to assess the technical and financial capabilities of potential partners.

Local industry participation a key priority

Necsa Board Chairperson David Nicholls emphasised that the programme is not only about energy generation, but also about industrial development and localisation.

"It was important to see a number of South African organisations in the briefing session," Nicholls said.

The corporation aims to ensure that local companies are integrated into the value chain, enabling:

• Skills development and knowledge transfer

• Growth of the domestic nuclear industry

• Job creation in high-tech sectors

• Increased participation of South African firms in global nuclear markets

Balancing global expertise with local capacity

While international partnerships are expected to play a critical role in bringing advanced technologies and investment, Necsa is positioning the SMR programme as a platform for collaboration between global leaders and local industry.

"Necsa remains committed to a transparent and competitive process aligned with South Africa's energy policies, while seeking to combine local and global expertise through strategic partnerships," Nicholls said.

A step toward nuclear resurgence

South Africa remains the only African country with a commercial nuclear power station (Koeberg), and the SMR initiative signals a potential expansion of its nuclear footprint.

Globally, countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China are investing heavily in SMR technologies, with several pilot projects already underway.

South Africa's entry into this space could position it as a regional leader in advanced nuclear energy, with opportunities for export, research collaboration, and technological innovation.

High stakes for energy and economic future

As the country navigates its energy transition, the success of the SMR programme will depend on careful execution, regulatory alignment, and sustained investment.

If successful, the initiative could mark a turning point in South Africa's energy strategy—combining energy security, economic growth, and climate commitments in a single, forward-looking solution.

With strong early interest from both local and international players, Necsa's SMR demonstration project is emerging as one of the most closely watched energy developments in the country.