State-owned power utility Eskom’s Nuclear Operating Unit has started with a strategic stakeholder engagement programme in the Eastern Cape to outline its vision and plans for the implementation of 5.2 GW of new nuclear capacity.

The new nuclear capacity aligns with what is allocated in the country’s Integrated Resource Plan 2025.

Eskom’s immediate focus is on education, awareness and building a unified understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities associated with hosting nuclear infrastructure in the province.

Eskom chief nuclear officer Velaphi Ntuli, who is leading the delegation, says the Eastern Cape is being positioned as a strong potential host province for part of the nuclear new build programme.

Nuclear energy is expected to play a critical role in providing reliable baseload power, supporting industrial expansion, driving investment confidence and enabling job creation and socioeconomic development.

Ntuli says the allocation of 5.2 GW of new nuclear capacity represents a critical milestone in securing South Africa’s long-term energy future.

“While South Africa has experienced a period of improved electricity supply stability, long-term planning remains essential. Loadshedding showed us how energy constraints can severely handicap economic growth.

“As a country, we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. We must invest in energy infrastructure now to ensure that when future demand arises, the capacity is already in place,” Ntuli states.

Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor Babalwa Lobishe welcomes the stakeholder engagement endeavour, adding that the municipality supports transparent engagement processes that explore how strategic energy investments can unlock long-term socioeconomic opportunities for communities while strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

Coega Development Corporation also welcomes Eskom engagement on the new nuclear build programme, particularly to discuss how Coega can contribute to South Africa’s long-term energy security.

“As a strategic industrial and logistics hub, Coega is well positioned to support large‑scale energy infrastructure through its established infrastructure, investor networks, and industrial capabilities,” says Coega new ventures project manager Nomaxabiso Johnson.

Coega views Eskom’s engagement in the Eastern Cape as an important step in aligning energy planning with industrial development, localisation, skills development and sustainable job creation in the region.

Eskom underscores that forward-looking infrastructure planning over the next five to ten years will be key to sustaining economic momentum and supporting growing energy demand.

The utility adds that stakeholder engagements will help ensure transparency, alignment and collaborative partnerships around the nuclear new build programme.

Ntuli says the new nuclear build programme will require strong partnerships between government, industry, communities and business. “Our call to action is for all stakeholders to come together, align behind a shared objective and play their respective roles in delivering this strategic national project.”