South Africa to Consider Russian and Iranian Bids for Nuclear Project
The South African government has confirmed that it is open to nuclear energy proposals from Russia or Iran as it attempts to add 2,500 megawatts to the existing Koeberg nuclear power plant. Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe stressed that despite our concerns about Pretoria’s “revitalization” ties with Iran, no country has been banned from bidding. The allegations surfaced in a new executive order from President Trump that stopped U.S. aid and threatened to complicate negotiations on a long-awaited civilian nuclear deal, known as the Article 123 agreement. The agreement, a crucial convention for the export of nuclear fuel and technology in the United States, failed in December 2022. It could limit South Africa’s ability to buy reactors from Westinghouse for Koeberg 1 Unit full from Westinghouse and prevent U.S. investors like Terrapower from pursuing nuclear opportunities in the country.
source: Reuters
