JSC TVEL, the management company of Rosatom’s nuclear fuel division, has signed a memorandum of cooperation with South Africa’s AllWeld Nuclear. The companies plan to work together in the decommissioning and management of radioactive waste in South Africa. The country has two nuclear power reactors, both located at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. The reactors were built by France’s Framatome, but are operated by Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned nuclear power company.
A Rosatom press release stated that “The key aspects of cooperation will be the development of infrastructure for radioactive waste management, including processing, storage, and disposal, as well as the design and manufacture of components for equipment needed to handle tasks in this area in South Africa.”
Rosatom does not currently have nuclear power projects in South Africa, but it has been reported that the company is exploring a floating nuclear power plant project with the country.
South African Energy Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa said in September that the country intends to strengthen cooperation with Russia in nuclear technology. The countries already cooperate on nuclear energy, including the development of technology and small modular reactors. Ramokgopa said, “A platform for cooperation with Russia already exists and South Africa wants to develop it in the future since we only have the one nuclear plant site.”
Nuclear power currently provides just 5% of South Africa’s electricity needs. Like Russia, South Africa is a member of BRICS.
Further Reading