South Africa Joins Global Race to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050

The World Nuclear Association has said it welcomes the coming of South Africa as the latest endorser of the Declaration to Triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. 

This is as the African nation joins a comity of more than 30 other nations dedicating resources and interests to expanding nuclear energy’s role in delivering clean, secure, and affordable energy systems.

Speaking on the development, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the minister of electricity and energy in South Africa, made the development public during the Africa Energy Indaba. 

The Africa Energy Indaba, a continental flagship conference, was held recently in Cape Town, AEP can confirm.

Ramokgopa, a doctor, said: "We are delighted to be part of the global support for nuclear energy visible through the Declaration to Triple Global Nuclear Capacity by 2050".

Welcoming the decision of South Africa to build nuclear energy capacity together, Dr Sama Bilbao y León, the director general of the World Nuclear Association, noted that the commitment of the African nation “adds tremendous momentum to the global effort” and sends a powerful signal of leadership across Africa and internationally. 

She also said that nuclear energy can play an essential role in improving energy access, strengthening security, and meeting global climate objectives.

Experts say this development marks a turning point for Africa’s leadership in the global clean energy transition. 

South Africa’s participation highlights the country’s longstanding recognition of nuclear energy as a vital part of its energy mix. 

As the only nation on the African continent with existing commercial nuclear generation, the decision signals strong continental leadership and renewed ambition for expanding clean baseload power.