The Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has today witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) GCEO Mr Loyiso Tyabashe with Aerodynamic Separation Process Isotopes (ASPI) as well as Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). A letter of intent was also signed as a prelude to the formal signing of the MoU with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
The signed MoU’s are aimed at positioning South Africa globally as a leader in nuclear technology, consolidating and expanding nuclear in SA’s energy mix.
This also leveraging nuclear investment and partnerships as a catalyst to drive industrial development, including expanding Research and Innovation capabilities.
“Today’s MoU’s marks a significant step towards pioneering advancements in the nuclear sector.
Through these partnerships we are setting the stage for collaborative innovation, ensuring safer, more efficient, and sustainable solutions that will power the future of nuclear globally”, remarked Necsa GCEO Mr Loyiso Tyabashe.
Minister Ramokgopa said “Nuclear is the future and is alive in South Africa, it will play a significant role in the industrialisation and localisation of massive infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth and create high-tech jobs.”
The Minister emphasised the importance of the strategic re-establishment of a full nuclear complex, comprising both power and technology applications for peaceful and developmental purposes to address South Africa’s socioeconomic needs.
Making reference to his recent visit to the United States, the Minister relayed that he met a number of Nuclear experts of major Nuclear players who have developed Small Modular Reactor Technologies and have been trained in South Africa. “This demonstrates South Africa’s capabilities to train highly recognised Nuclear professionals who are making a significant global contribution in the Nuclear Sector.”
Government has taken a firm position to build a multi-purpose reactor to compliment the SAFARI- 1 Research Reactor to ensure that South Africa remains a global leader in Nuclear Research and Development as well as in the production of Radioisotopes that are globally used for Nuclear Medicine for the treatment of cancer and other ailments.
There is global growth in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
This positions South Africa well to revive its Small Modular Reactor project, namely the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR).
The Department is preparing a report to Cabinet to recommend the approval of lifting the PBMR from care and maintenance to allow South Africa to revive the development of its PBMR capability.
For media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Ministry of Electricity and Energy on 082 084 5566 and Dr Nikelwa Tengimfene on 066 293 4451
Issued by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy and NECSA