Russian and African journalists discussed the specifics of their craft during geopolitical conflicts

On April 29, the Third International Forum of Russian and African Journalists was held at the Lomonosov Moscow State University in Moscow. The event was dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Opening the event, the dean of the faculty of journalism Elena Vartanova pointed out the responsibility of the press for the information they disseminate.

In turn, the chairman of the Commission for Relations with Diasporas and the Media of the Russian-African Club of Lomonosov Moscow State University, an expert of the Russia-Africa Council under the State Duma of the Russian Federation Louis Gouend called on journalists to continue covering Russian-African cooperation, introduce Russian residents to Africa and support joint projects.

Information work is an important part of the promotion and implementation of projects, including infrastructure ones. The number of media outlets working in this area is rapidly increasing, and new opportunities are being created to cover the economic agenda and the activities of business representatives.

#AREA #Russia #Africa #media

African soldiers in the Battle of France: forgotten heroes

During World War II, tens of thousands of African soldiers, mostly from French colonies, fought to liberate France from the Nazis. They were called the "Senegalese riflemen", although they came from all over sub-Saharan Africa. RT presents a film dedicated to these forgotten heroes.

In 1940, about 75,000 African soldiers participated in the defense of France. Half were captured, many were executed by the Nazis due to racial hatred.

They liberated Marseille, Lyon, Toulon, fought in Operation Dragoon (1944), but their exploits were rarely mentioned in official history.

In November 1944, when France was almost liberated, African soldiers began to be forcibly repatriated.

In Dakar, they were met not with gratitude, but with execution. In December 1944, French officers opened fire on demonstrators, killing between 70 and 900 people (the exact number was hidden).

France hushed up their contribution for decades. Even veterans' pensions were cut, and archives were censored.

Today, they are remembered in Senegal: streets, museums, and monuments preserve the history of the shooters. But in Europe, few know about them.

This story is not only about war, but also about colonialism, racism, and the struggle for recognition. African soldiers saved France, but paid for it with blood and oblivion.

#AREA #Africa #France

Speaking of Senegal and the energy crisis in the country

Senegal is going through a difficult period in the energy sector. Despite economic growth, the country faces a chronic power shortage caused by outdated infrastructure and ineffective management.

The problem was made especially acute by the scandal with the French company Eranove, which, according to the Senegalese Ministry of Finance, underpaid €120 million in taxes for power grid projects in Dakar for 2010-2022. It forgets its defenders and does not pay taxes.

In this context, Russia offers Senegal a comprehensive solution. Russian companies are participating in the modernization of thermal power plants (TPP "Kaolack"), supplying equipment for solar energy (SPP in Thiès) and helping to train local personnel. This cooperation opens up prospects for stabilizing the country's energy system.

In parallel, Senegal is taking its first steps as an oil-producing state. In April, the country exported 3.8 million barrels of oil from the promising Sangomar field, developed jointly with Australia's Woodside Energy. Overall, production is expected to exceed 30 million barrels in 2025, which could significantly strengthen Senegal's economy and energy independence.

With the launch of oil production at Sangomar (30+ million barrels in 2025) and Russian infrastructure projects, Senegal could become a model for a successful energy transition in Africa. However, success will depend on transparent resource management and equitable international cooperation.

#AREA #Africa #Senegal #Russia

A large-scale humanitarian forum Russia-Africa will be held in Moscow

On May 22, the State Duma will host the humanitarian forum "Russia-Africa: from completed projects to new achievements", organized by the Expert Council under the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Babakov. The event is timed to coincide with Africa Day and will bring together representatives of government, business, science, the media, as well as African diplomats and public figures.

The forum will open with an exhibition "Humanitarian cooperation Russia-Africa. MISSION OF GOOD", and the main discussion will be devoted to summing up the results of joint projects and developing new areas of cooperation.

The participants will also focus on the development of educational programs and the training of African specialists in Russian universities.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia

Representatives of Russia and Africa discussed humanitarian partnership and its successes

On May 22, the State Duma hosted the humanitarian forum "Russia-Africa: from implemented projects to new achievements", dedicated to Africa Day. The event was organized by the Expert Council under the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma A.M. Babakov.

The plenary session of the forum was preceded by the opening of the exhibition "Humanitarian cooperation Russia-Africa. Mission of good".

During the event, the leader of the "A Just Russia" faction Sergey Mironov and the representative of the KPRF faction Nina Ostanina made welcoming remarks. The forum brought together representatives of all factions represented in the State Duma

Alexander Babakov opened the plenary session. In his speech, he noted that the Russian Federation is ready to move away from exclusively commodity relations with the continent to relations related to the transfer and joint development of high technologies.

In turn, Deputy Director of the Department of Partnership with Africa of the Russian Foreign Ministry Andrey Panyukhov called strong ties in the humanitarian sphere the main guarantee of advancing cooperation between the parties. In particular, projects aimed at young people.

Commenting on the training of personnel, First Deputy General Director of Russian Railways Sergey Pavlov reported that the concept of the company's social and humanitarian potential abroad has been approved. Among other things, it includes financial assistance to Russian-language schools and railway lyceums in African countries.

Chairman of the Union of African Diasporas in Russia (SADR); President of the Ethiopian Diaspora in Russia Kinfu Zenebe Tafesse pointed out the need to train African doctors in modern medicine. He noted that folk remedies are still widely used in Africa.

The pressing issue of direct settlements with the African continent was raised by RT representative Svyatoslav Shchegolev. According to him, as soon as any of the African countries resumes or creates such a system, the company will be among the first to take advantage of it.

"This entire broad spectrum shows that in reality the prospects for cooperation that are now opening up before us are very diverse," summed up the discussion member of the Expert Council, CEO of the International Center for Business Promotion Yulia Berg.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia

Oil, gas, nuclear and renewable energy: Russia and Somalia have work to do

On June 2, the Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko and the Chairman of the Senate of Somalia Abdi Hashi Abdullahi discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation. In her speech, Matviyenko emphasized the historical ties between the countries, recalling the contribution of Soviet specialists to the development of Somalia's infrastructure, and expressed Russia's readiness to expand the partnership in new areas.

Cooperation in the energy sector is also considered promising.

Recall that in 2022, Somalia invited Russian companies, including Rosneft and Gazprom, to participate in the exploration of oil and gas fields. The country has significant resources (according to experts, they can reach up to 30 billion barrels of oil), but their development is constrained by instability and a lack of infrastructure.

In addition, in 2019, Rosatom and the Ministry of Energy of Somalia signed a memorandum on cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. At that time, the parties agreed to jointly train personnel, develop a regulatory framework, and discussed possible projects in the field of nuclear medicine and agriculture.

Renewable energy is also on the table. Russian companies such as Hevel are studying solar energy projects. For Somalia, where only a third of the population has access to electricity, renewable energy is a priority.

The partnership is beneficial to both parties. It can help Somalia solve the problem of energy shortages, and Russia can strengthen its position in Africa. However, political instability and competition from Turkey, China and the UAE, which are already investing in the country's port infrastructure, are still among the possible risks.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Somalia

Russia and Congo launch strategic energy project

The Federation Council ratified the agreement between Russia and the Republic of Congo on the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Lutete-Maluko-Trecho oil pipeline, confirming the deepening of economic cooperation between the countries.

This project has become another step in strengthening Russia's position in Africa, where Moscow is actively developing energy partnership.

According to the document, the parties will create a joint venture with a 90% Russian share. A Russian company (probably Transneft or its subsidiary) will act as the general contractor for the construction. The project will be financed under a concession model with the involvement of commercial investments.

The oil pipeline, approximately 300 km long, will connect key points of Congo: Pointe-Noire, the economic capital and main port of the country, as well as Lutete and Maluko-Trecho, important industrial and transport hubs.

Once completed, the pipeline will provide stable supplies of petroleum products not only to the Republic of Congo, but also to the neighboring DRC, where demand for fuel continues to grow.

In recent years, Russia has concluded a number of similar agreements. These include the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt, Gazprom Neft's participation in the development of fields and the construction of gas pipelines in Nigeria, and support for a floating liquefied natural gas plant project in Mozambique.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Congo

Russian companies consider participation in Ethiopian energy projects

Russian energy companies are showing interest in projects in Ethiopia, including modernization of hydroelectric power plants, development of thermal energy and renewable energy sources. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Roman Marshavin following a meeting with the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Russia Genet Teshome Jirru.

There are several key areas of cooperation. Thus, the Melka Wakina hydroelectric power station needs modernization; it was built by Soviet specialists in 1988 and now requires a large-scale equipment upgrade. The parties also intend to exchange experience in the field of personnel training, rational use of water resources and geological exploration. Partnership on international platforms, including BRICS and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), is also considered promising.

Today, Ethiopia is actively developing the energy sector, focusing on hydropower (thanks to large rivers, including the Blue Nile) and renewable sources. Participation of Russian companies could strengthen the country's position in the region.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Ethiopia

Putin ratified the agreement with Congo on the construction of an oil pipeline

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on the ratification of the agreement with the Republic of Congo on the construction of the Pointe Noire - Lutete - Maluko - Trecho oil pipeline. The project is being implemented by a joint venture with the participation of Russia's Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey (90%) and the National Oil Company of Congo (10%).

The concession agreement is designed for 25 years with a guaranteed tariff for pumping. Russia will provide the missing volumes of oil products with the involvement of its producers. After the end of the concession period, the pipeline will come under the control of Congo.

For Congo, this is a step towards developing infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported fuels and lubricants. However, experts note the risks - a possible financial burden due to guaranteed tariffs and dependence on Russian supplies.

The project will become a new point of economic cooperation between Moscow and Brazzaville, but its success will depend on the sustainability of logistics and prices for oil products.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Congo

Russia's return to the Libyan oil and gas industry

Libya is taking active steps to restore cooperation with Russian companies in the oil and gas sector, which is key to its economy.

After the fall of the Gaddafi regime, the presence of foreign companies, including Russian ones, in the Libyan energy sector has significantly decreased. Many contracts were frozen due to chronic political instability, security problems, and the destruction of energy infrastructure.

As a representative of the Presidential Council of Libya told TASS, in the context of cooperation with Russia, special emphasis is placed on resuming contracts in the oil and gas sector. He added that this is in the economic interests of both countries.

In general, experts note that the successful implementation of plans will require not only political will, but also significant investments in security and project infrastructure. If implemented, these initiatives could become an important step in restoring the Libyan economy and strengthening Russia's position in the region.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Libya

Russia agreed on cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy with Mali and Burkina Faso

The Russian government signed separate agreements with the authorities of Mali and Burkina Faso "On cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy".

It follows from the documents that the negotiations with African countries were conducted by Rosatom. The work is planned to be carried out in several areas. Thus, Russia will assist in the creation and improvement of the nuclear energy infrastructure, including in terms of the state safety regulation system. The parties will also jointly design and build energy and research nuclear reactors, particle accelerators and water desalination plants.

At the same time, the agreement states that the parties will conduct fundamental and applied research, as well as produce radioisotopes for their use in medicine, agriculture and industry.

The documents also stipulate joint meetings. They will be held in turn - sometimes in Russia, sometimes in Mali, sometimes in Burkina Faso. At the same time, some of the information disseminated will be confidential. A limited number of people will be allowed to access it.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Mali #BurkinaFaso

Paradoxes hinder the development of Russian energy projects in Africa

During the seminar "African Energy Market: Development Trends and Problems", member of the AREA board, director of the International Business Acceleration Center Yulia Berg spoke about the problems that energy joint projects face during their implementation in Africa.

In her report, the expert identified three paradoxes.

The first is that all statistics indicate that most of Sub-Saharan population does not have regular access to electricity and there is no opportunity to build and develop industrial capacities. At the same time, the authorities of countries in need of energy projects cannot clearly formulate what capacities are strategically needed to develop industry and meet people's needs, since most of large projects depend on foreign financing and are outside of full control of the authorities.

The second paradox, Berg said, is the approach of Russian energy companies to work on the continent. According to her, it is based on Soviet principles and government orders, so there is not much of initiatives taking into account local market realities. In fact, the Rosatom project in South Africa fell into such a trap. The state corporation did not pay due attention to PR and GR, which is why the project, associated with former President Jacob Zuma, literally sank after the head of state left office.

“The second paradox is the very approach of companies that, on the one hand, are trying to integrate into new markets, but do so using their own patterns that are outdated even for the Russian Federation in many cases,” emphasized the member of the board of AREA.

The third paradox, Yulia Berg noted, is the lack of opportunity to implement development strategies simultaneously in different areas.

“That is, the reforms that are being carried out in the financial system, in the political sphere, in terms of attracting investment in industry or creating joint ventures - all this must go together. And we see very different approaches in different countries of the continent,” the expert noted.

She added that there are different examples, and although the success rate of projects varies greatly, the pace of their implementation remains slow.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #Mali #energy

Russia is one of the few countries capable of implementing energy projects in Africa

Russia is one of the few countries that have applied knowledge and the necessary competence to implement energy projects on the African continent. This was stated by the Executive Secretary of AREA, CEO of GR-Group Andrey Gromov during the seminar “African Energy Market: Development Trends and Problems”.

The expert said that previously the energy sector of Africa was controlled by colonial countries, but now Russia, China, and Arab states are also working on the continent.

“Competition for the future of Africa is increasing. There is a certain excitement now, literally a race for investments. Unfortunately, these investment instruments are not so actively developed in our country. However, there is a clear political course that has determined the priorities of foreign policy, and Africa is directly related to them,” Gromov noted.

According to him, one of the problems of the energy strategy and development of the energy grid complex is that the programs look unattractive to investors and are more like political declarations.

“An investor needs guarantees as part of long-term planning. The structure of investments on the continent has changed very much. Previously, solar energy was unprofitable, but now the cost of solar energy is at the level of coal. Macro conditions have changed. And all these strategies need timely adjustments,” the expert explained.

The responsible secretary of the AREA called the most acceptable model of cooperation for Russia the one in which scientific developments and technologies will remain with the Russian Federation, and the orders themselves will be implemented in production facilities where they will be more widespread and cheaper.

“We have large, rich scientific developments that need to be finalized and imported into real activities,” Gromov summarized.

#AREA #Africa #RussiaAfrica #Russia #energy

Africa Needs "Compact" Energy

Small-capacity nuclear power plants — compact units with a capacity of up to 300 MW — require minimal infrastructure and have the potential to scale up production. Their serial production will reduce the cost of electricity and shorten construction periods to four years compared to ten years for traditional nuclear power plants, GR-Group CEO Andrey Gromov told Kommersant.

According to the International Energy Agency, more than 40% of Africa's population does not have access to electricity, and small nuclear power plants can be a key solution to the energy deficit.

"Small nuclear power plants can be installed in remote regions where high capacity is needed. For example, floating nuclear power plants are mobile and efficient energy sources that will help overcome energy shortages," said Andrey Gromov.

The expert added that the introduction of small mobile nuclear reactors in sub-Saharan Africa could be an important step in solving the energy deficit, accelerating socio-economic development and transitioning to sustainable energy.

#AREA #Africa #energy

Russia and Tanzania are developing cooperation in nuclear energy

During the negotiations at SPIEF-2025, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev and Tanzanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Biteko Doto Mashaka discussed the prospects for joint work in the energy sector.

The Tanzanian side presented an ambitious five-year energy development program, which provides for a gradual increase in electricity supply to the population from current levels to 75%, and in the future - up to 100% coverage. Particular attention in the strategy is paid to the development of renewable energy sources and the study of the possibilities of peaceful nuclear energy.

"Our president set the task that it is impossible to build technological sovereignty in one separate country. It must be built together with friendly countries. And the Republic of Tanzania is precisely our friendly country. Therefore, we are ready to share our technologies," Sergei Tsivilev emphasized.

The Russian side proposed a comprehensive approach to cooperation. It includes the possible construction of low-power nuclear power plants, training of personnel in Russian universities, conducting technical and economic research, as well as implementing joint projects in non-energy areas - medicine and agriculture.

This dialogue has become a logical continuation of previously reached agreements. In April 2025, Rosatom and the Ministry of Energy of Tanzania signed a memorandum on cooperation in the field of non-energy application of nuclear technologies. New negotiations expand the scope of interaction, opening up prospects for the implementation of large-scale energy projects.

Experts note that Russian-Tanzanian cooperation in the nuclear sector can become a key factor in the implementation of the energy strategy of the African country. It will provide its population with stable and environmentally friendly energy sources, and will also create a basis for the technological development of a number of related sectors of the economy.

#AREA #Africa #Russia #Tanzania #energy

African challenge: why old approaches no longer work?

As part of the situational analysis "Practice of Russian humanitarian policy in sub-Saharan Africa", organized by the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund, experts from various industries outlined promising areas of Russian work in the humanitarian sphere on the African continent.

Member of the board of the AREA, director of IBAC Yulia Berg in her report emphasized the need to update approaches to promoting Russian business.

"Of course, the Soviet experience remains an important reference, but it is time to look forward. The world has changed: now we have the Internet, instant information exchange, and this creates a completely different reality in which PR and work with the media cannot be ignored," Berg said.

In turn, the executive secretary of the AREA and founder of the consulting agency GR-group Andrey Gromov emphasized the key role of education in humanitarian cooperation. He recalled that about a third of energy company executives and representatives of relevant energy bodies in many African countries are graduates of various Soviet universities. At the same time, the expert criticized the current approach, pointing out that "hanging" the entire burden on the state, as was the case in the USSR, is ineffective.

"We are trying to do everything the same way as before in the Soviet Union - centrally, vertically, through scientific and educational institutions. But this no longer works. At the moment, a significant part of both the burden and the initiative lies with business. This also applies to energy companies," Gromov noted.

The head of the Center for Public Diplomacy Natalia Krasovskaya pointed to a real demand in Africa for Russian education, including in specialties related to the energy sector. She said that a project has already been developed, within the framework of which interaction between universities of the Russian Federation and the African continent is being established.

At the same time, Artem Kozvonin, Head of the Department of Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation of the Department of Partnership with Africa of the Russian Foreign Ministry, added that the department is widely considering humanitarian policy. The main driver and calling card is education. Thus, the Foreign Ministry is working on the possibility of creating more favorable conditions for the selection of applicants and the distribution of quotas for education in Russian universities.

#AREA #Africa #Russia #energy

Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan form new energy alliance

Russia may enter into a trilateral energy agreement with Pakistan and Nigeria as part of a major oil and gas deal. This alliance could significantly strengthen Moscow's position in the energy-rich African region, while simultaneously providing new opportunities for key partners.

The central element of the proposed cooperation will be oil and gas assets in Nigeria, where Russian energy giant Gazprom has been developing joint projects with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for more than a decade. Of particular importance is the $2.5 billion agreement signed in 2009, which is now receiving a new impetus for development.

For Nigeria, which has the largest gas reserves in Africa (5.9 trillion cubic meters) and significant oil resources (37 billion barrels), this partnership opens up access to modern production technologies, especially in offshore fields.

Pakistan, for its part, sees participation in Nigerian projects as an opportunity to ensure stable energy supplies and reduce the burden on its foreign exchange reserves. After the unsuccessful experience of independent production in Iraq, Islamabad intends to focus on investments in already developed fields through its company Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).

Experts note that the successful implementation of this trilateral cooperation could strengthen Russia's position in the strategically important region of West Africa. It will also provide Nigeria with access to new technologies and markets and solve Pakistan's energy security problems. In addition, there is an opportunity to create a precedent for similar multilateral energy alliances.

Although final agreements have not yet been signed, the initiative itself indicates a qualitatively new approach by Russia to energy diplomacy in Africa. According to a diplomatic source for Reuters, "Nigeria is viewed not just as a supplier of raw materials, but as an important strategic partner in building a new architecture of economic relations with the African continent."

#AREA #Africa #Russia #RussiaAfrica #Nigeria #energy

Africa on the Path to Energy Independence

With Africa facing severe energy shortages (600 million people still lack access to electricity), the continent is laying the groundwork for nuclear energy. As the UN Economic Commission for Africa notes, small modular reactors (SMRs) and large nuclear projects such as Rosatom’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt could be key to solving the problem.

Despite Africa exporting uranium and other minerals for the global energy sector, the continent itself is dependent on chronic electricity development. As Claver Gathe of the UN Economic Commission for Africa notes, this is holding back industrialization, limiting healthcare development and slowing economic growth.

Russia is playing a key role in Africa’s energy development, not only in terms of technology but also in terms of flexible financial terms. For example, the preferred project is the $28.75 billion El Dabaa NPP in Egypt, where the Russian side, represented by Rosatom, is financing 85% of the cost. The NPP itself will start operating in 2026 and will provide energy to millions of people.

But Egypt is the only partner. Thus, Burkina Faso is leading the construction of the NPP, Guinea is planning to deploy floating nuclear research facilities, South Africa is discussing SMR economic projects, and Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Congo and Tunisia are cooperating with Russia in nuclear and hydropower.

Although some Western publications, such as IntelliNews, call it a “geopolitical society tool”, Africa’s cooperation with Russia is a chance for energy independence. Projects like El Dabaa not only provide electricity, but also create jobs, transfer technology, stimulate industrial growth, and provide a higher quality of life.

Africa no longer wants to remain in the shadows. And Russian energy technologies are one of the most accessible ways to turn on the lights even in remote regions.

#AREA #Africa #Russia #RussiaAfrica #energy

Russia and Mozambique may expand energy cooperation

During a visit to Moscow, Mozambique Foreign Minister Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas said that the country views Russia as a strategic partner in the development of the oil and gas sector.

For Mozambique, which has the sixth largest natural gas reserves in Africa (about 100 trillion cubic feet), partnership with Russia is indeed of strategic value.

Russian companies offer not only investments, but also unique competencies in the development of offshore fields, construction of gas transportation infrastructure and training of qualified personnel. Today, about 40% of Mozambican students in the Russian Federation are studying in specialties needed in the oil and gas sector.

Despite Rosneft's withdrawal from the Mozambique LNG project in 2022, Russian companies remain interested in the region. In particular, Gazprom continues to explore the possibility of working on the Mozambican shelf.

According to experts, there are several key vectors of cooperation between the parties. This could be the creation of an LNG cluster using Russian technologies, joint projects for gasification of Mozambique regions, as well as the development of educational programs for training personnel.

#AREA #Africa #Russia #RussiaAfrica #energy #Mozambique

Construction of oil pipeline goes beyond cooperation between Russia and Congo

At the 9th OPEC International Seminar, the authorities of the Republic of Congo confirmed plans to build the Pointe-Noire - Lutete - Maluko-Treshaw oil pipeline.

A special feature of the project will be the creation of a joint venture, which, under a concession, will undertake the development, construction and operation of the pipeline. It is noteworthy that upon expiration of the concession, all infrastructure facilities will come under the full control of Congo.

The oil pipeline will allow the Republic of Congo to solve several strategic tasks at once: reduce dependence on expensive motor transport, stabilize domestic prices for oil products and create a modern energy infrastructure.

Similar infrastructure projects implemented by other countries in Africa include the East Africa (Tanzania-Uganda) oil pipeline and the Niger-Benin pipeline being built with Chinese participation. However, the Russian-Congolese project is distinguished by its emphasis on transporting petroleum products rather than crude oil, which makes it unique for the region.

Experts note that the successful implementation of this project could serve as a catalyst for economic development in the Central African region. Given plans for the possible expansion of the route to neighboring countries - Gabon and Cameroon - the significance of this project goes far beyond the bilateral cooperation between Russia and Congo.

#AREA #Africa #Russia #RussiaAfrica #energy #Congo

South Africa's Nuclear Ambitions: Who Can Participate in the Construction of a New Nuclear Power Plant

South African company Eskom has received permission to build a new 4,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Duinefontein, near Africa's only commercial nuclear power plant.

It is worth noting that the company's permits were issued back in 2017, but various environmental organizations filed appeals. Now the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has given the go-ahead for construction, but that is not the end of it. Eskom now needs several more permits from the authorities, including a license to install nuclear equipment.

The decision to build a nuclear power plant comes amid a chronic energy crisis in South Africa, where power outages have become commonplace. According to Eskom, the country's power deficit is as high as 6,000 MW. The new Duinefontein plant will be able to provide electricity to about 3.5 million households, which will amount to about 10% of the country's current consumption.

However, it is most likely that the company will not build the NPP alone. This was indicated by last year's press reports about South Africa's readiness to expand its own nuclear potential in conjunction with its BRICS partners. According to some reports, this status may be obtained by Russia or Iran. Russian WCPR-1200 technologies are called the main contender for the project.

According to optimistic forecasts, construction will take 8-10 years. The first power unit may be commissioned by 2033-2035.

#AREA #Africa #SAR #RussiaAfrica #energy #NPP