PRETORIA: Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson on Friday, 7 November, signed an Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement on Nuclear Cooperation with her Chinese counterpart minister, Administrator of China National Energy Agency, Wu Xinxiong.
The agreement initiates the preparatory phase for a possible utilisation of Chinese nuclear technology in South Africa.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expand nuclear power generation by an additional 9.6GW, in line with the Integrated Resource Plan 2010 - 2030, as a means of ensuring energy security and contributing to economic growth.
The agreement builds on existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including in the field of nuclear energy.
"We have stated that the nuclear new build programme offers important opportunities for South Africa as it will enhance job creation, skills development and the revitalisation of our nuclear industry.
"We will be looking for significant localisation that can contribute to broad industrialisation and the development of a thriving knowledge economy in South Africa," said Minister Pettersson.
The preparatory phase of the nuclear new build programme, which government has started, entails the signing of Inter-Governmental Framework Agreements with various nuclear vendor countries.
These allow the government to gain more understanding of the nuclear technology offerings of the different countries.
