Sustainable energy solutions provider Blue Pointer Energy has expressed strong support for the renewed call to revive the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project, following statements by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

The initiative represents a crucial step towards fortifying South Africa’s energy security and diversifying its energy portfolio, which is essential to addressing the ongoing energy crisis.

According to Blue Pointer Energy project manager Paris Mabila, the company’s extensive expertise in electrical engineering, renewable energy and advanced technologies positions it to play a key role in the PBMR project, which he says could provide South Africa with a reliable, efficient and sustainable energy solution.

A robust foundation in designing and maintaining electrical systems, energy distribution and advanced control systems is critical for projects such as the PBMR, which seeks to deliver cleaner, safer and more efficient nuclear energy, he adds, stating that Blue Pointer Energy can deliver on all of these.

“If the PBMR revival proceeds, Blue Pointer Energy could take on roles such as electrical system optimisation, integration of renewable-nuclear hybrid systems and workforce upskilling for advanced technologies,” Mabila tells Engineering News.

The company’s involvement would also extend to ensuring that the PBMR integrates seamlessly into the national grid while optimising energy production for efficiency and sustainability.

Advantages of the PBMR

Compared to traditional nuclear reactors, the PBMR offers significant safety and operational efficiency advancements, Mabila explains.

For instance, the PBMR uses helium as a coolant, which eliminates the risk of steam explosions.

Its passive safety systems prevent overheating in emergency situations, making it a safer alternative to traditional reactors. The reactor’s modular design also facilitates scalability, which helps reduce waste while operating at higher temperatures to ensure a more efficient fuel cycle.

Further, Mabila says the use of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles in the PBMR significantly reduces radioactive waste, contributing to cleaner energy production and aligning with South Africa’s sustainability goals.

He emphasises that these technological benefits make the PBMR “a compelling solution” as they address some of the shortcomings of older nuclear reactor designs.

However, the revival of the PBMR project is not without its challenges, which include the ageing infrastructure, and may require modernisation or replacement of existing components; the need for a skilled workforce to rebuild expertise in PBMR-specific technologies; and the high upfront costs, which could deter potential stakeholders, despite the clear long-term benefits.

Additionally, Mabila notes that public perception of nuclear energy remains a barrier to its adoption, as misconceptions about its safety persist.

To address these challenges, he suggests that partnerships with global nuclear leaders could help facilitate knowledge transfer and technical support. Phased financing, with clearly defined milestones and incremental goals, would also be necessary to ensure project sustainability.

Public education campaigns focusing on the safety and benefits of nuclear energy could also help to alleviate concerns and build broader support for the PBMR revival.

Complementing Renewables

The PBMR could play a key role in stabilising South Africa’s energy grid, particularly as the country increases its reliance on renewable-energy sources such as wind and solar.

While renewable energy is intermittent and subject to fluctuations in weather, Mabila says the PBMR would provide a stable baseload to offset these fluctuations.

“This would ensure a consistent and reliable energy supply, particularly during periods of peak demand or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the PBMR’s integration into the energy mix would help reduce South Africa’s dependency on coal, supporting the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security,” he explains.

He adds that integrating advanced nuclear technologies such as the PBMR into South Africa’s energy portfolio would have far-reaching economic, environmental and social benefits.

The PBMR project is expected to create jobs throughout both its development and operational phases, stimulating local industries by sourcing materials and services domestically. It would also provide significant opportunities for skills development, particularly in high-tech industries such as engineering and nuclear technology, by offering specialised training programmes for South African professionals.

Moreover, the PBMR could enhance South Africa’s energy independence by using local uranium reserves, reducing reliance on imported energy sources.

This would increase the country’s resilience to potential energy disruptions and boost its energy security, Mabila says, noting that the ability of the PBMR to operate at high temperatures also opens the door to cogeneration applications, which can be used in industrial heat processes, contributing to further carbon emissions reduction and supporting global decarbonisation efforts.

Mabila notes that the PBMR could position South Africa as a global leader in nuclear energy innovation, attracting international investment and fostering partnerships with other countries in the nuclear industry.

“Blue Pointer Energy recognises the value of leveraging both conventional and renewable-energy sources to meet growing energy demands. The PBMR’s capability to provide clean, modular and scalable energy solutions makes it an invaluable addition to the country’s energy mix,” Mabila concludes.