Objectives

The primary objectives of the tender are to identify and partner with qualified organizations, consortia, or technology providers capable of co-developing, demonstrating, and deploying a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) prototype in South Africa. The overarching goal is to establish a world-class SMR demonstration plant that aligns with national energy security, decarbonisation, industrial development, and technological advancement objectives.

Specific objectives include:

• Assessing market interest and technological credibility of potential partners.
• Prequalifying respondents based on technical readiness, financial robustness, and policy alignment.
• Facilitating structured partnership negotiations for future deployment.
• Supporting local manufacturing, fuel cycle integration, and licensing processes.
• Ensuring the selected partner demonstrates capability to deliver a mature SMR technology (TRL 5 or above) suitable for deployment in Africa.

Scope

The scope of the tender encompasses:

• Partnering to co-develop the engineering design of a full SMR demonstration plant, utilizing Light Water Reactor (LWR) or High Temperature Reactor (HTR) technology.
• Supporting the development of associated fuel manufacturing capabilities and integration with local processes.
• Collaborating on the development of licensing documentation and regulatory readiness with the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR).
• Supporting advanced manufacturing processes, component localisation, and joint engineering activities.
• Providing technical support during construction, commissioning, and initial operations.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer, skills development, and local industry participation.
• Participating in R&D activities for technology adaptation and hybrid applications such as hydrogen production, desalination, and industrial heat supply.
• Developing financing models, market analysis, and stakeholder engagement strategies for future SMR deployment.

Technical Requirements

The technical criteria for respondents include:

• Demonstrating a mature SMR technology at TRL 5 or above, with supporting certification and readiness documentation.
• Providing a high-level conceptual design overview and evidence of ownership or permission to use the technology.
• Supporting the development of licensing documentation and safety cases aligned with South African standards.
• Supporting localisation of components and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Providing design documentation, technical data, models, and intellectual property necessary for joint engineering activities.
• Willingness to transfer intellectual property rights and provide funding commitments.
• Supporting the development of regulatory and safety compliance frameworks.

Skills Requirements

The skills and expertise sought from respondents include:

• Proven experience in SMR technology development, engineering design, and demonstration projects.
• Capability to support fuel cycle activities including uranium conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication.
• Experience in licensing, safety case development, and regulatory engagement with authorities such as the NNR.
• Strong project management skills for engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Technical expertise in advanced manufacturing, component localisation, and supply chain development.
• Research and development capabilities for hybrid applications like hydrogen production and desalination.
• Skills in stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and financial modelling for nuclear projects.
• Knowledge of international standards, safety protocols, and best practices in nuclear technology.