“This agreement initiates the preparatory phase for the possible deployment of French nuclear technology in South Africa,” said the department.

The agreement builds on the more than 40 years of cooperation between South Africa and France, as symbolised by the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant.

The agreement — which was signed by Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Laurent Fabius — covers areas including skills development, localisation of nuclear technology as well as research and development in South Africa.

Minister Joemat-Pettersson said that South Africa was pleased to continue its long-standing cooperation with France.

“…This paves the way for establishing a nuclear procurement process. To date, South Africa has concluded several Inter-Governmental Agreements and will proceed to sign similar agreements with the remaining nuclear vendor countries in preparation for the rollout of 9.6GW Nuclear New Build programme,” said the Minister.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-france-sign-nuclear-cooperation-agreement