Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, is holding discussions with Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia and Egypt on the development of large nuclear power plants as part of efforts to expand nuclear energy cooperation with African countries.
Rosatom Chief Executive, Alexei Likhachev, disclosed this on Friday, saying Russia was prepared to supply African countries with nuclear power plants of different sizes and configurations.
“Our partnership is based on the principle that Africa is diverse, and we have a tailored approach for each country that goes beyond a single project,” Likhachev said.
Russia Expands Nuclear Cooperation With Africa
Nuclear energy cooperation featured among the issues discussed at the third Russia–Africa Summit held in Moscow from 28 to 29 October.
The summit brought together representatives from 48 African countries, including heads of state and government, to discuss economic and strategic cooperation.
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The Russia–Africa forum, launched in 2019, forms part of Moscow’s efforts to strengthen political and economic relations with African countries.
Following the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said African countries had expressed interest in nuclear power generation, small-scale nuclear technologies and the application of nuclear technology in medicine and agriculture.
African Countries Explore Floating Nuclear Plants
Likhachev also disclosed that nine African countries had expressed what he described as “significant interest” in Rosatom’s floating nuclear power plant technology.
He said detailed discussions were under way with Egypt, Tanzania, Togo and Namibia on possible projects involving the technology.
Floating nuclear power plants use reactors installed on specialised vessels or platforms to generate electricity for coastal locations. Rosatom has promoted the technology as an option for countries seeking to develop nuclear power infrastructure.
Egypt’s Nuclear Power Project
Rosatom is currently constructing Egypt’s first nuclear power plant at El Dabaa, comprising four reactors.
Likhachev said Egypt was considering expanding the project to six reactors, an initiative the Russian corporation supported.
Egypt is therefore involved in both discussions on large-scale nuclear power development and negotiations concerning floating nuclear technology.
Nuclear Power Development In Africa
South Africa currently operates Africa’s only commercial nuclear power station, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which was built using French technology and began operating in the mid-1980s.
Rosatom’s latest discussions with African countries reflect growing interest in nuclear energy development across the continent, although the proposed projects remain at different stages of negotiation and planning.
Reuters
