The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) issued, on Tuesday, an expression of interest (EoI), to invite technology providers, organisations and consortia, with the appropriate qualifications and experience, to partner in a Small Modular (nuclear) Reactor (SMR) programme in South Africa. Such a partnership will develop, customise, demonstrate and deploy SMRs in the country, for a number of purposes. This initiative is aligned with Decision 4 of the national Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) 2025.

“Through the EoI process, Necsa seeks to gather detailed information on available SMR technologies, their maturity, licensing experience, and deployment readiness,” explained Necsa CEO Loyiso Tyabashe. “Our aim is to demonstrate an SMR technology that will produce power, process heat and isotopes. This gives Necsa an opportunity to assess existing capabilities and financing models to fulfil its strategic objectives of positioning South Africa at the forefront of advanced nuclear technologies. We aim to participate in the global SMR supply chain and contribute meaningfully to the local nuclear industrialisation plan through building local capabilities for nuclear build programmes.”

The EoI will also allow the identification of suitable partners to progress an SMR technology that is fit for future deployment in the country, as foreseen by the IRP 2025.

“The EoI serves as the first stage of a structured selection process,” pointed out Necsa chairperson David Nicholls. “It prequalifies respondents based on alignment with South Africa’s nuclear policy and experience base, technology readiness for timely deployment, financial strength for long-term delivery, commitment to intellectual property transfer and localisation of skills and technology, and the diversity of applications to maximise socioeconomic and industrial benefits.”

The next step in the process will be the issuance of a request for proposals. All future developments in the process will be subject to the country’s regulatory frameworks. These will include environmental-impact assessments, public participatory processes, and other regulatory approvals.