SA, Russia sign energy agreements

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The MoU were signed at the 7th BRICS Summit on Wednesday, 8 July 2015, between the Department of Energy and the Russian state-owned company, Rosatom.

The summit is taking place in Ufa, Russia.

The first memorandum signed is the memorandum on cooperation in training personnel for the South African nuclear power industry followed by the memorandum on cooperation in enhancement of public awareness of nuclear energy in South Africa.

Regarding the memorandum on cooperation in training personnel for the South African nuclear power industry, the two countries intend to implement several joint projects for education in the nuclear power industry.

"The countries will cooperate in order to provide training for five categories of specialists for the South African nuclear industry: nuclear power plant (NPP) personnel, engineers and construction workers, staff for operations not related to the power industry, personnel for nuclear infrastructure, students and teachers," said the department.

In accordance with this memorandum, both parties will strive to realise education programs for 200 South African candidates at Russian universities and educational organisations.

The memorandum also stipulates the development of educational materials and scientific literature on nuclear power, student exchange programs for students of various levels of training, organisation of internships and summer courses, student competitions and teacher training.

The memorandum on cooperation in enhancement of public awareness of nuclear energy in South Africa stipulates joint efforts of the parties aimed at promoting nuclear power in South Africa, increasing the awareness of local residents of modern nuclear technologies used in the power industry and in other industries, and ensuring public acceptance of nuclear power.

"In particular, the parties have agreed to work out a plan for the implementation of a joint communication program to be launched in South Africa. The program will involve the organisation of round tables and other events aimed at the promotion of nuclear power and modern nuclear technologies," explained the department.

Rosatom and the Department of Energy will also consider the creation of a Nuclear Energy Information Centre in South Africa.

The parties seek to exchange information and best practices in the nuclear industry by organising working visits and international conferences and exhibitions.

"The memoranda signed in Ufa represent another stage in the cooperation between the two countries aimed at strengthening joint efforts between Russia and South Africa in the field of nuclear energy."