Russia can help South Africa tackle electricity shortages — Russian Ambassador

PRETORIA, April 9. /TASS/. Russia can help South Africa solve the problem of electricity shortages, Russian Ambassador to South Africa Ilya Rogachev told TASS.

"The Russian Federation is a world leader in the field of nuclear technology. <…> If we talk about cooperation between Russia and South Africa in this area, joint work on expanding nuclear generation in the country can play a key role in solving the problem of electricity shortages in South Africa and can lay the foundation for the energy independence and technological sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa," the diplomat said.

In recent years, South Africa has faced significant power shortages, leading to long rolling blackouts across the country. The government is making efforts to solve problems in the energy sector primarily through advanced technologies.

Rogachev recalled that South Africa is currently the only country on the African continent that has a nuclear power plant in operation.

"Our country is ready to cooperate in the supply of fuel for nuclear power plants, the construction of new large and small nuclear capacities, the development of floating plants, the construction of a new research reactor, the development of nuclear medicine and so on. We can offer solutions in the field of wind energy," the ambassador noted.

According to him, Russian companies work with advanced technologies and are ready, for their part, to offer expertise and competencies within the framework of appropriate tender procedures.
 

Reliable partner

The diplomat noted the special significance of Russian experience in the development of nuclear energy in the context of the global trend to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, diversify the energy balance and switch to cleaner energy sources.

"The desire of South African partners to cooperate with our country in this area appears to be driven by the desire to strengthen South Africa’s energy security, solve the problem of rolling blackouts and reduce dependence on coal-fired power plants, which are now the main source of electricity in the country," he said. The diplomat drew attention to the fact that Russia, being a recognized world leader in the design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants, is ready to become a reliable partner for South Africa in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
 

Cooperation between two companies

The diplomat recalled that in 2024, the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the South African energy concern Eskom signed a roadmap for three years, which, in particular, provides for the exchange of key practices in the field of personnel training, as well as interaction on this topic at the main international platforms (IAEA, BRICS, G20 etc.)

"The key area of work in this context is the creation of a pool of South African graduates from Rosatom’s flagship universities, who, after completing their studies, will be able to find work at Eskom enterprises. We positively assess the prospects for Eskom’s involvement in the implementation of the Obninsk TECH project - an international scientific and educational center of nuclear and related technologies in the city of Obninsk," the diplomat said.

"In June, Rosatom and Eskom will organize an international summer technology school for girls specializing in engineering, the work of which will be aimed at unlocking the potential of women in high-tech industries," the ambassador added.

Origin: https://tass.com/society/1772579