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Eskom’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Velaphi Ntuli, will represent South Africa at the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) G20 African Energy Investment Forum, where he will highlight how nuclear energy can drive a stable, sustainable, and inclusive power future for Africa. His address comes as the continent accelerates efforts to expand affordable electricity access and transition toward cleaner energy systems, with renewed global interest in nuclear technology as a foundation for long-term energy security.
Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, near Cape Town, remains South Africa’s only nuclear facility and the largest in Africa. Since its commissioning in the 1980s, Koeberg has supplied around 5% of the nation’s electricity, reinforcing grid stability and showcasing Africa’s engineering strength. The plant is currently undergoing a life extension project to add another 20 years of operation and continue delivering 1,860 MW of baseload power—an essential part of Eskom’s plan to diversify South Africa’s energy mix and reduce its reliance on coal.
The AEC’s G20 African Energy Investment Forum—taking place ahead of the G20 Summit—aims to put Africa’s energy sector at the forefront of global investment conversations. By uniting policymakers, investors, and development partners, the event will explore how strategic investments can reshape Africa’s energy landscape, create employment, and foster industrial growth. Within this context, Ntuli will emphasize how nuclear energy can work alongside renewables to enhance grid reliability and power Africa’s industrialization.
As one of the most efficient low-carbon power sources, nuclear energy offers dependable electricity vital for growing economies. With the global shift toward cleaner energy, several African nations—including Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt—are looking to nuclear power for industrialization, technology transfer, and skills development. South Africa’s experience with Koeberg serves as a model for others pursuing similar goals.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, stated, “Koeberg shows what Africa can achieve through long-term, technically sound, and locally led energy solutions. Nuclear power can play a transformative role in ending energy poverty, creating skilled jobs, and driving industrial progress.”
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As the global energy transition advances, integrating Africa’s nuclear ambitions into major investment dialogues is both timely and crucial. By bringing nuclear energy into the G20 agenda, the forum seeks to foster new partnerships, align policies, and position Africa as a leader in clean, dependable power generation.