South Africa's Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) has signed a new agreement with China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to explore closer cooperation in nuclear technology.
The agreement was confirmed by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who is currently on a working visit to China.
Ramokgopa said the trip is aimed at “strengthening South Africa’s energy capacity to counter the declining energy security and advancing the country’s transition towards a more reliable and sustainable energy system.”
The visit also seeks to address climate change, while recognising the role of transitional fuels such as clean coal in achieving South Africa’s sustainable development goals.
The announcement comes just weeks after Ramokgopa outlined the government’s strategy to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis, which includes greater private sector involvement in the development of transmission infrastructure.
📸Today, NECSA and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing negotiations of mutually beneficial cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), and other agreed-upon areas.#SAInChina 🇿🇦🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZS5hfncEvI
— Ministry of Energy and Electricity (@MOEE_ZA) April 8, 2025
Meanwhile, Eskom has come under fire from Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Dion George, who earlier this month granted “limited emissions exemptions” to eight of the utility’s coal-fired power stations. While issuing the exemptions, George criticised Eskom for repeatedly failing to meet minimum emission standards and urged the utility to accelerate long-overdue energy reforms.
Ramokgopa shared news of the agreement on X (formerly Twitter), stating that NECSA and CNNC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing negotiations for mutually beneficial cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and other agreed areas.
"Today, NECSA and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing negotiations of mutually beneficial cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), and other agreed-upon areas," he said.
He further stated that the collaboration between the two entities reflects the country's commitment to enhancing its nuclear research and technology capabilities.
"This collaboration underscores South Africa's commitment to enhancing South Africa’s nuclear research and technology capabilities whilst fostering the next generation of nuclear scientists," he added.
IOL Business