Eskom’s Nuclear Operating Unit has, this week, embarked on a strategic stakeholder engagement programme in the Eastern Cape to outline its vision and plans for the implementation of 5.2GW of new nuclear capacity allocated in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2025).
Leading the delegation is Mr. Velaphi Ntuli, Chief Nuclear Officer at Eskom, who confirmed that the Eastern Cape is being positioned as a strong potential host province for part of the Nuclear New Build Programme.
“The allocation of 5.2GW of new nuclear capacity represents a critical milestone in securing South Africa’s long-term energy future,” said Ntuli. “As Eskom, we believe the Eastern Cape must play a central role in hosting some of this capacity. Our presence here this week is to engage stakeholders, share our vision, and begin aligning on the path forward.”
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality welcomes Eskom’s engagement with stakeholders in the Eastern Cape as part of the 5.2GW Nuclear New Build Programme,” said Executive Mayor Cllr. Babalwa Lobishe.
“Reliable and sustainable energy is fundamental to economic growth, industrial development, and job creation. As local government, we support transparent engagement processes that explore how strategic energy investments can unlock long-term socio‑economic opportunities for our communities while strengthening South Africa’s energy security.”
Eskom emphasised that recent load shedding challenges demonstrated the strategic importance of reliable energy supply to economic stability and growth. While South Africa has experienced a period of improved electricity supply stability, the utility stressed that long-term planning remains essential.
“Load shedding showed us how energy constraints can severely handicap economic growth,” Ntuli said. “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.”
Nuclear energy is expected to play a critical role in:
- Providing reliable, baseload power
- Supporting industrial expansion
- Driving investment confidence
- Enabling job creation and socio-economic development
“The Coega Development Corporation welcomes Eskom’s engagement on the 5.2GW Nuclear New Build Programme and the opportunity to explore how the Eastern Cape, and Coega in particular, can contribute to South Africa’s long-term energy security,” said Ms. Nomaxabiso Johnson, Project Manager: New Ventures at the Coega Development Corporation.
“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. We view this engagement as an important step in aligning energy planning with industrial development, localisation, skills development, and sustainable job creation in the region.”
Eskom underscored that forward-looking infrastructure planning over the next five to ten years will be key to sustaining economic momentum and supporting growing energy demand.
During the visit, the Eskom delegation met with various stakeholders, including:
- The Coega Development Corporation (CDC)
- The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- The Nelson Mandela Business Chamber (NMBC)
These engagements aim to ensure transparency, build alignment, and foster collaborative partnerships around the Nuclear New Build Programme.
Eskom highlighted that successful implementation of the nuclear programme requires broad-based collaboration.
“This programme cannot be delivered by Eskom alone,” Ntuli stated. “It requires strong partnerships with 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.”
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.
The Nuclear New Build Programme forms part of South Africa’s long-term energy diversification strategy and is expected to contribute meaningfully to energy security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Eskom will continue engaging stakeholders across the Eastern Cape as part of its consultative approach to advancing the 5.2GW nuclear programme.
