Africa’s nuclear agenda at G20

Eskom’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Velaphi Ntuli, is set to speak at the African Energy Chamber’s G20 African Energy Investment Forum on 21 November in Johannesburg.Ntuli will spotlight the pivotal role of nuclear energy in shaping a reliable, sustainable and inclusive power future for Africa. As the continent intensifies efforts to expand access to affordable electricity and transition towards cleaner energy systems, Ntuli’s participation comes at a time of renewed interest in nuclear technology as a cornerstone of long-term energy resilience.Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, located near Cape Town, is not only South Africa’s sole nuclear facility but also the largest in Africa. The plant has been a critical contributor to the country’s energy stability since its commissioning in the 1980s, providing around 5% of the country’s electricity. Today, Koeberg stands as a symbol of Africa’s engineering capabilities and a testament to the role nuclear energy can play in reducing carbon emissions while ensuring grid reliability.Koeberg is undergoing a significant life-extension project, aimed at extending the facility’s operational lifespan by another 20 years and delivering approximately 1 860 MW of baseload power. The initiative represents a major milestone in Eskom’s strategy to secure South Africa’s electricity supply and underscores its commitment to maintaining nuclear power as part of a diversified energy mix - an essential factor in reducing the nation’s dependence on coal and accelerating its transition to a low-carbon economy.Centre stageThe G20 African Energy Investment Forum, held ahead of the G20 Summit, seeks to position Africa’s energy sector at the centre of global investment discussions. By bringing together African leaders, investors and development institutions, the forum emphasises how targeted capital flows can transform Africa’s energy landscape, create jobs, and drive industrialisation. Within this framework, Ntuli’s contribution will be critical in highlighting how nuclear power can complement renewable energy, stabilise grids, and support the manufacturing and industrial growth necessary for long-term economic development.Nuclear power remains one of the most efficient and low-carbon energy sources available, offering baseload electricity that can underpin Africa’s growing economies. As the global energy transition accelerates, many African nations are exploring nuclear energy not only as an alternative to fossil fuels, but also as a catalyst for domestic industrialisation, technology transfer, and skills development. South Africa’s experience through Eskom and Koeberg provides valuable lessons for other African countries looking to establish or expand their nuclear programmes, including Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt.“Eskom’s Koeberg station demonstrates what Africa can achieve when we commit to long-term, technically sound, and locally driven energy solutions. As we work to make energy poverty history, nuclear power offers an opportunity for Africa to strengthen energy security, create high-quality jobs, and drive industrial growth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The conversation at the G20 African Energy Investment Forum is about ensuring that Africa is not left behind in the global energy transition, and leaders like Ntuli are showing the way forward.”As global energy markets evolve, the inclusion of Africa’s nuclear ambitions in high-level investment discussions is both timely and essential. By bringing nuclear energy into the heart of the G20 agenda, the forum aims to attract new partnerships, enhance policy alignment, and showcase Africa’s readiness to lead in clean, reliable power generation. SOURCE: African Energy Chamber

Africa’s nuclear agenda at G20

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Republikein 2025-11-21

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Africa’s nuclear agenda at G20

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