South African high-temperature gas-cooled reactor developer Stratek Global has announced a strategic partnership with France's Groupe Albatros with the aim of preparing feasibility studies for potential projects in Africa and the Middle East.

As South Africa takes the helm of the G20 Presidency in 2025, there is widespread curiosity about the nation’s agenda and whether nuclear energy will feature prominently in these critical discussions, writes Princess Mthombeni. With the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", South Africa is poised to address global challenges, but the question remains: will nuclear energy’s potential to support sustainable development and energy transitions be part of the conversation?

Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town was reconnected to the South African grid on 30 December after the completion of extensive maintenance to extend the unit's operational lifespan by an additional 20 years.

The South African government remains committed to the use of nuclear energy and is planning to revive its Pebble Bed Modular Reactor programme and embark on new builds, the Deputy Director General of the Department for Mineral Resources and Energy has said.

Specialist global investment firm C5 Capital and multinational mining and metals processing group Sibanye-Stillwater are joining together to participate in future development of advanced nuclear energy opportunities in South Africa and globally.

Russia's TVEL and South Africa's AllWeld Nuclear and Industrial have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of decommissioning and radioactive waste management.

TerraPower has signed a term sheet with ASP Isotopes Inc for the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in South Africa and a supply agreement for fuel delivery for the Natrium small modular reactor.

The creation of the Nuclear Energy Platform is intended to share experience and support the development of nuclear technologies among BRICS+ member countries.

An International Atomic Energy Agency team of experts has completed a review of long-term operational safety at the Koeberg nuclear power plant in South Africa. Unit 1 of the plant has received a licence to operate until 2044 and Eskom is planning to extend operation of unit 2 until 2045.