South Africa is considering bids from Russia and Iran to expand its civilian nuclear power capacity, according to a senior government official. This decision, reported by Reuters, may strain relations with the United States and further delay a key strategic energy agreement.
South Africa’s Nuclear Expansion Plans
As the only African nation operating a nuclear power plant—Koeberg—South Africa aims to add 2,500 megawatts of new capacity to address frequent electricity outages and reduce carbon emissions.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, emphasized the country’s openness to all bidders:
“We can’t exclude Iran or Russia from bidding. If they present the best offer, we will consider it.”
US Scrutiny and Diplomatic Tensions
The U.S. recently expressed concerns after President Donald Trump signed an executive order alleging South Africa is strengthening ties with Iran for commercial, military, and nuclear purposes—an assertion Pretoria has denied. The South African government clarified that no nuclear cooperation exists between South Africa and Iran.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on whether the order would impact South Africa’s nuclear expansion.
Delayed Nuclear Agreement with the US
Initially, South Africa planned to launch a nuclear project tender last year, but legal challenges led to further consultations. The Section 123 Agreement, essential for importing U.S. nuclear materials, expired in December 2022, with negotiations for a renewal still incomplete.
Nuclear energy expert Isabel Bosman from the South African Institute of International Affairs warns that allegations in the executive order could complicate efforts to finalize the deal.
Impact on Eskom and Global Investments
Without a new agreement, Eskom—South Africa’s power utility—could face challenges sourcing fuel for Unit 1 at Koeberg from U.S.-based Westinghouse. Meanwhile, Unit 2 is supplied by France’s Framatome.
Analysts caution that this uncertainty could deter investments from U.S. nuclear companies, including TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, and ASP Isotopes, amid a global resurgence in atomic energy.
South African officials maintain that both nations are committed to finalizing the agreement, but legal hurdles remain.
