With the deal between South Africa’s Department of Energy (DoE) and Russian-based nuclear giant Rosatom drawing controversy, the DoE has assured that the agreement was not the first by the department – and would not be the last.

Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson last week signed a nuclear power cooperation deal with the Russian State-owned firm that could see South Africa build up to 9.6 GW of nuclear power using Russian technology by 2030.

“The DoE has noted the ongoing public discourse around the recent agreement [that was signed] on behalf of the South African government,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

The DoE stated that the agreement and “the others South Africa have, and further intended to sign with other countries” was directed by the country’s energy policy, the Integrated Resource Plan of 2010, which outlined a mix of coal, nuclear, renewable energy, gas and hydro energy sources, besides others.

“South Africa has signed over 60 different energy-related cooperation agreements, addressing different aspects of energy and [the] use of different energy sources,” the DoE said, citing the example of the recent agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure that the Grand Inga hydropower project progressed.

“It is within this context that our agreement with the Russian Federation on nuclear cooperation is based. The Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership in Nuclear Energy is focusing on Russian[-based] technology [and] multipurpose nuclear research, assistance in the development of South African nuclear infrastructure [and] education of South African nuclear specialists in Russian universities and other areas.”

The agreement would undergo the “normal process” of internal government and legislative scrutiny and would be open to the public, the media, civil society and political parties.

“We, however, do appeal that the necessary due process, as stipulated in our country's statutes (laws and policies) be allowed to run their normal course,” the department pleaded.

The DoE also dismissed allegations of “undue influence” by President Jacob Zuma on the agreement.

“The allegations are baseless and, at worst, ludicrous and they are purely concocted to tarnish the image and integrity of the President and the government of South Africa,” the department said.

the department said.