South Africa and Russia Sign Nuclear Power MOU, Plan to Build Africa's First VVER Nuclear Reactor

Recently, South Africa's Nuclear Energy Corporation and Russia's Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear power development in Cape Town, marking a key step in energy cooperation between the two countries. This MOU aims to promote the development of nuclear energy in South Africa and support its national goals of achieving energy independence and economic growth.

According to the MOU, both parties will jointly establish a comprehensive industrial chain collaboration system covering the nuclear fuel cycle, engineering design, and power equipment manufacturing. This cooperation will involve building Africa's first VVER reactor, with special emphasis on the localization of related equipment production. The aim is to promote the development of South Africa's high-tech industry and cultivate highly skilled nuclear power professionals locally. By deepening industrial chain cooperation, both sides expect to enhance South Africa's independent manufacturing capabilities and technological reserves in the nuclear energy field.

Currently, South Africa operates Africa's only nuclear power plant, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. To address long-term power shortages and the needs of low-carbon transition, South Africa plans to add 2,500 megawatts of generating capacity. This cooperation represents another significant development following the nuclear waste management agreement signed between Rosatom and South Africa in 2024, demonstrating the continuous deepening of cooperation between the two countries in the nuclear energy field. It will provide new solutions for South Africa to address its energy crisis.