The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) announced on Tuesday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia’s TVEL Fuel Company. TVEL is a subsidiary of the State-owned Rosatom nuclear group, and the MoU covers cooperation in the area of nuclear fuel (and related components) production.
The MoU was actually signed in the middle of last week, on July 27, in a virtual signing ceremony. The signing took place on the margins of the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which was held in St Petersburg, in Russia.
“The [MoU] signifies the commitment of both Necsa and TVEL to strengthen bilateral cooperation in using nuclear [energy] for peaceful means,” affirmed Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe. “It is particularly important for South Africa as it paves the way for Necsa to re-establish its capability on nuclear fuel production and supply. I believe that this collaboration will enhance the technological capabilities of both parties and foster a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership in the field of nuclear technology.”
“Necsa is one of the most experienced companies in the world nuclear industry having broad competence,” pointed out TVEL senior VP Oleg Grigoryev. “We are confident that our cooperation with such [a] respected partner would contribute significantly to [the] increase of global nuclear generation sustainability.”
According to Necsa, the MoU was signed as a preparatory step before the upcoming Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa alignment (better known as Brics) summit, being held this month in South Africa. “Signing of the [MoU] is a step to increase the sustainability of nuclear generation within the Brics framework,” stated Necsa.