There is a business case for smaller and modular nuclear power plants of between 300 MW and 600 MW to be built in South Africa, but upfront planning is needed because of long lead times, the country’s new energy plan says.

The plan, known as the integrated resource plan, says the development of such plants elsewhere in the world is “particularly interesting for South Africa”.

“Small nuclear units will be a much more manageable investment when compared to a fleet approach,” the plan says.