PBMR

In the early 1990's a window of opportunity arose for South Africa with the decision in Germany to discontinue development work on nuclear High Temperature Reactors (HTRs). Eskom purchased a license to develop this technology and PBMR (Pty) Ltd was born.

The PBMR is a small-scale, helium-cooled, graphite moderated HTR. Although it is not the only gas-cooled HTR currently being developed in the world, the South African project is internationally regarded as the leader in this power generation technology. Amongst its outstanding features are: a passive cooling system that make nuclear meltdowns impossible, an energy transfer system that should make PBMR the most efficient HTR design in the world, and its small, modular nature that enable PBMR stations to be built incrementally and closer to the load than is possible with other technologies.

The PBMR project is the most technologically advanced capital investment project undertaken in South Africa since 1994. The successful deployment of this leading edge technology has the potential to make a significant contribution to local and international energy supply. In addition, it will contribute to the transformation of South Africa's current resource-based economy to a more knowledge-based economy.

PBMR will play a role in the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA) - especially in localisation, industrial development, job creation, poverty alleviation and skills development. The capital to be spent during the demonstration phase of the project represents 1% of the total R&D portion of South African GDP spend over this period, and will contribute significantly to skills development and job creation across multiple disciplines, especially in the technical engineering fields.

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: www.pbmr.co.za

Tel: +27 12 677 9400
Fax: +27 12 663 8797

Tom Ferreira, Communications Manager
Tel: +27 12 677 9562
Mobile: +27 83 264 6188

Physical Address:
Lake Buena Vista Building
1267 Gordon Hood Avenue
Centurion
0046
Republic of South Africa

Postal Address
PO Box 9396
Centurion
0046
Republic of South Africa