The talk highlights how nuclear power, artificial intelligence and a sustainable future can work together to deliver enhanced safety and security, improved performance, lower costs, accelerated sustainability, fostered innovation and stronger societal impact.
Abstract:
“Powering Intelligence: Small Modular Reactors in the Age of Artificial Intelligence"
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies, industries and societies, but its extraordinary computational capability comes with an equally extraordinary appetite for electricity. The emergence of hyperscale data centres and increasingly energy-intensive AI applications is creating a new class of large, continuous and highly reliability-sensitive electricity demand. At the same time, the global transition towards low-carbon energy requires that this growing demand be met without compromising climate commitments or the stability of electricity systems.
This public lecture explores the emerging relationship between Artificial Intelligence and nuclear energy, with particular emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. It examines a powerful two-way relationship: how the growth of AI and data centres could create a new market for reliable, 24-hour nuclear power, and how AI itself could transform the design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety of future nuclear power plants. The lecture considers growing international interest in pairing advanced nuclear technologies with digital infrastructure and asks whether this convergence could reshape the economics and deployment pathways of nuclear energy.
Importantly, the discussion moves beyond developments in the major technology economies to consider the implications for South Africa and the African continent. With expanding digitalisation, growing data sovereignty requirements, abundant mineral and energy resources, and increasing demand for secure computing infrastructure, Africa has an opportunity to become more than a consumer of the AI revolution. The lecture will explore how SMRs, AI infrastructure, universities, utilities and nuclear institutions could form part of a new African technology and energy ecosystem—and what South Africa must do today to position itself for this emerging opportunity.
The central question is simple but consequential: as the world builds the intelligence infrastructure of the future, what will power it; and what role should nuclear energy play?
About the speaker:
Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and is the principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa.
He has 25+ years in nuclear leadership, regulation and international collaboration and is a Former CEO: National Nuclear Regulator (2013–2022). He has served as an advisor on nuclear new build and policy to multiple countries and is an advocate for responsible innovation and sustainable development.
His current affiliations and roles include:
Chairperson, South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
Chair, Nuclear Missile and Dual Use Committee (Non-Proliferation Council)
Adjunct Professor, Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University, USA
Knight of the French Republic
Register by 24 August 2026
For more information, kindly contact:
Progress Mpangane:
Tel: 018 285 2593
Email: progress.mpangane@nwu.ac.za
Ashleigh Koortzen
Tel: 018 299 2711
Email: ashleigh.pieterse@nwu.ac.za.