Русский
South Africa’s Nuclear Energy Corporation and Russia’s Rosatom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of nuclear power in South Africa. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Indaba Week in Cape Town.
The two countries have been discussing nuclear power plants in South Africa for over a decade; however, the MoU between Russia and South Africa on its development is a significant step towards South Africa’s energy independence and economic growth. The MoU includes the details pertaining to the construction of Russian VVER reactors in South Africa, which will be the first of their kind built on the African continent.
This collaboration aims to create a full-scale nuclear cluster of a world leader’s level, from the nuclear fuel cycle to engineering and power equipment manufacturing. The agreement also focuses on localizing equipment for new nuclear power plants, contributing to the development of high-tech industries in South Africa, and creating a skilled workforce.
South Africa, which operates Africa’s only nuclear power plant at Koeberg, plans to add 2,500 megawatts of new capacity to tackle electricity outages that have plagued the economy and to reduce emissions. Rosatom signed a nuclear waste management agreement with Rosatom in 2024.
