The Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, has concluded her visit to Vienna where she led the South African delegation to the 58 the session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In her address to the conference she reaffirmed South Africa’s continued commitment to the expansion of nuclear technology, which has benefited South Africa and other countries for many years.
Minister Joemat- Pettersson informed the conference of South Africa’s plans to expand its nuclear power generating capacity with an additional 9600 MW. The aim is to ensure energy security in South Africa and contribute to the reduction of the country’s carbon footprint, creation of jobs, skills development, industrialisation and manufacturing to stimulate the economy.
The Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to nuclear safety and security, building on the extensive experience in operating nuclear facilities such as the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant and SAFARI 1 Research reactor in Pelindaba.
She called upon the Agency to enhance its efforts in providing technical assistance to developing countries in vital sectors such as agriculture, water management and human health.
“
The Technical Cooperation programme of the IAEA is vital for developing countries such as South Africa, as it contributes towards the utilisation of nuclear technology in support of sustainable development ”, said Minister Joemat-Pettersson.
Minister meets other leaders on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference On the margins of the conference Minister Joemat-Pettersson held a bilateral meeting with the leader of the delegation of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey Kirienko. They discussed South Africa’s plans for expanding nuclear power generation. An Intergovernmental Agreement on a Strategic Partnership in Nuclear Energy was signed, which initiates the preparatory phase for the procurement for the new nuclear build programme.
They noted that a nuclear build programme in South Africa would ensure energy security and support the growth of the economy. They discussed Russia’s extensive capabilities in building nuclear power plants.
Similar agreements are foreseen with other vendor countries that have expressed an interest in supporting South Africa in this massive programme. If chosen all nuclear vendor countries have technologies of their choice that they would want to deploy.
Minister Joemat-Pettersson held a meeting with the leader of the delegation of France, Mr Bernard Bigot. They discussed cooperation between South Africa and France in the nuclear field and identified areas of future cooperation such as skills development and transfer of technologies.
They noted that France has a long history of involvement with nuclear energy in South Africa beginning with the construction and commissioning of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant.
The parties agreed that Minister Joemat-Pettersson will lead a delegation to visit France where bilateral discussions will culminate with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two countries to support South Africa’s new nuclear build programme.
The Minister also met with the Director-General of the IAEA, Mr Yukiya Amano, and they spoke extensively about the cooperation between South Africa and the IAEA.
South Africa holds a seat in the 35 member Board of Governors of the IAEA.
The Director -General commended South Africa for its contribution to the work of the Agency.
The Agency will continue to support South Africa’s efforts in the nuclear field including in the expansion of nuclear power generation. The IAEA has provided assistance to South Africa in the use of nuclear technology in areas such as agriculture and human health as well as on research and development.
The Minister invited the Director General and his delegation to visit South Africa where, amongst others, he would have an opportunity for engagements with various stakeholders to discuss trends and developments on nuclear technology.
Senior officials from the Department of Energy, the South African Nuclear Energy Cooperation (Necsa) and the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) continue to hold meetings on the margins of the IAEA General Conference with their counterparts from many other countries to discuss and explore possible areas of cooperation.
The South African government is also in discussions towards concluding an intergovernmental agreement with the Chinese government also aimed at finding ways of supporting South Africa’s nuclear new build programme.
Enquiries:
Zizamele Mbambo (DDG Nuclear Energy)
Cell: 079 529 5646
E-mail: Zizamele.mbambo@energy.gov.za
Xolisa Mabhongo (Group Executive Corporate Services)
Cell: 072 359 9025
E-mail: Xolisa.mabhongo@necsa.co.za
