“South Africa and the rest of the continent need a source of clean and reliable baseload power such as nuclear generation to unlock Africa’s full potential. It is not whether Africa can afford nuclear power. Rather, it is whether Africa can afford not to pursue nuclear power. With a recent statement of the World Bank in mind, the answer is crystal clear,” said Viktor Polikarpov.
According to the Global Tracking Framework 2015 Report by the World Bank, Africa’s future depends on its ability to gain access to reliable power sources. Polikarpov noted that “nuclear power should not be seen as an expense, but rather as a long-term investment.” He added that South Africa’s only nuclear station Koeberg generated the cheapest power in the country. According to Polikarpov, construction costs of a nuclear station are very high, but after the breakeven point is reached it turns into a long-term source of affordable and reliable power. The ultimate cost of kilowatt hour produced is the most important criterion for selecting a new source of power, he explained.
“This is why Rosatom has changed its approach to international customers and re-focused to provide them with nuclear plant construction and maintenance services as part of its comprehensive offering. Vertical integration of Rosatom’s business means that we control all links in the production and supply chain and can quote competitive prices for our solutions,” he said. According to him, South Africa has solid expertise in nuclear power and is able to construct and operate safe nuclear stations because its nuclear physicists and engineers are “among the best in the world.”
Rosatom Group companies have maintained contacts with the Republic of South Africa since 1995. In particular, Rosatom ships uranium products for the local nuclear industry. The relevant contract was signed with Eskom in 2010. Expiring in 2017, it covers about 45% of fuel for South Africa’s only nuclear station Koeberg. In 2013, Rosatom’s united engineering company NIAEP-ASE, NUKEM Technologies GmbH (a German subsidiary of ASE) and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) signed a memorandum of understanding. In September 2014, Rosatom and South Africa signed a framework agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation in the nuclear industry. In October 2014, Rosatom took part in a so-called nuclear vendor parade, a meeting with South African nuclear officials as part of the procurement process for the new nuclear station. Since 2013 Rosatom has been involved in joint educational projects with the North-West University.
