OREANDA-NEWS.  Russian state owned energy corporation Rosatom is participating in the third annual Power-Gen Africa conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 17 - 19 March 2014. This event focuses solely on the rapidly increasing power needs of the growing economies of Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants include RSA Department of Energy, Eskom Group Holdings, Alstom, Ansaldo Energia, Doosan, Siemens AG.

Rosatom’s activities in Africa are based on the following two principles; projects must be mutually beneficial and must contribute to the development of local socio-economic sectors. Rosatom provides an integrated solution for emerging countries in which energy solution of generation III+ construction itself (with unique balance of active and passive safety systems) combines with our key operating principles - job creation, attracting international investments, infrastructure development and general social responsibility. The advantages on nuclear among other things are the procurement of local suppliers to partner with Rosatom.  This will have a powerful impact to the development of local businesses contributing to the country’s economy and international investment which will boost the country’s GDP. This increases the competitiveness of energy intensive industries in the country.

There are numerous advantages of nuclear energy for the African market.  In the area of NPP construction the VVER-1200 design project is not only the most up-to-date and safe but also has such vast competitive advantages.  Rosatom nuclear solutions provide an opportunity to offer complex solutions in power industry – from uranium mining to grid development. ROSATOM has certain unique technologies including those in radiation technology, localization of up to 60% upon completion and employment creation opportunities up to will range between 16 000 direct jobs created and 32 000 indirect jobs created through contractors and sub-contractors.  Direct employment per unit built will be 400 employees in operational positions, 500 employees in maintenance and 3 000 employees in civil construction.  Benefits for South Africa during construction for local companies is estimated at USD 16bln direct and between USD 30bln and USD 112bln indirect, respectively.  Tax collection for company is estimated at up to USD 5.5bln worth of revenue for the country's economic gain.

Rosatom, being a responsible vendor is intensively developing cooperation with African countries. The company already has own history of cooperation with Africa in nuclear sphere. With the Republic of South Africa cooperation is the most lasting and dates back to 1995 with the supply of enriched uranium supplies for the Koeberg Power Station in Cape Town. In order to enhance the relationship Rusatom Overseas JSC joined the Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (NIASA) as a member-sponsor in March 2012. And in June 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding between Rusatom Overseas JSC and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) was signed. In November 2013 NIAEP-ASE, National Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA) and NUKEM Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the development of strategic partnerships in areas of engineering, design, procurement and construction of complex engineering facilities.