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Protecting persons,
property and the environment
Nuclear reactors are, fundamentally, large kettles, which are used to heat water to produce enormous amounts of low-carbon electricity. They come in different sizes and shapes, and can be powered by a variety of different fuels.
Nuclear energy holds the atoms that make up our universe together. This energy is released both when larger atoms split apart, undergoing fission, and when smaller atoms combine together, known as fusion.
Radiation is energy. It can come from unstable atoms that undergo radioactive decay, or it can be produced by machines
A key component of the mission of the NNR is to ensure adequate protective actions are in place to protect the health and safety of the public. Protective actions are taken to avoid or reduce radiation dose and are sometimes referred to as protective measures.
We are continuously exposed to radioactivity in everyday life. Some of the most familiar sources of radiation include microwave ovens in our kitchens and the radios we listen to in our cars. Most of the radiation we are exposed to carries no risk to our health.One source of natural radiation that presents a danger is radon — a radioactive gas with no colour, smell or taste. It is released from bedrock material and passes through the soil. It then tends to dilute in the air, so outdoors, radon poses no harm to human health.
The Koeberg nuclear power station is located on the West Coast of South Africa, approximately 27 km north of Cape Town and is currently the only nuclear power station on the African continent. It has twin pressurised water reactors with a combined net capacity of 1854 Mwe and is operated under the Nuclear Installation Licence, NIL-01 Variation 19 with conditions and requirements prescribed by the National Nuclear Regulator.
Radionuclides of natural origin contained in or released from process materials may pose a risk to workers, public or the environment. These radioactive elements in minerals and ores originally found in the environment are commonly known as NORM – naturally occurring radioactive material. Some NORM materials require radiation control and regulation.
28 March 2026: NNR hosted a Career Expo at Umfolozi TVET College in Esikhawini KZN to inspire learners to follow careers in STEM fields. Over 300 learners attended the expo and interacted with scientists and engineers from the NNR, Eskom-Koebergand University of Zululand. #NNR
3Day 2: 27 March 2026. NNR officials continue with Nuclear Safety Awareness Exhibitions today targeting the public in Empangeni Shopping Mall in KZN.
226 March 2026: Mega City Shopping Complex Umlazi – KZN. NNR Officials interact with locals in a Nuclear Safety Awareness exhibition to educate the public about its mandate of protecting persons property & environment against nuclear damage.
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Opened the @IAEAorg International Conference on the #SafeSecureTransport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material taking place this week in Vienna.
For more than six decades, the global transport system has ensured the safe and secure movement of these materials worldwide. But
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Eco Glades Office Park
Eco Glades 2Block G
Witch Hazel Avenue
Highveld Ext 75
Eco Park
Centurion
Telephone: +27 (12) 674 7100
Facsimile: +27 (12) 663 5513
E-mail: enquiry@nnr.co.za
12 Raats Drive
Delphi Arch Building
Tableview
Cape Town
7441
P.O. Box 46055
Kernkrag
7441
Telephone: +27 (21) 553 9500
Tel: +27 (12) 674 7120 (during response)
Fax: 086 742 6038
