Rosatom, the Russian company which is widely believed to have been given preferential treatment in South Africa’s proposed nuclear programme, has signed an agreement with the Zambian government.
If the nuclear build happens it will provide unprecedented demand for project cargo services as most of the components will have to be imported and transported over thousands of kilometres from the nearest port.
Zambia is currently investing in solar energy hydropower to meet growing demand, but it seems that the government wants to add nuclear to the mix.
According to a joint media release, the project development agreement (PDA) paves the way for a preliminary feasibility study into the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant.
An agreement was also signed with nuclear power plant service integrator JSC Rusatom Service for the assessment and development of nuclear infrastructure in Zambia.
This contract provides for the assessment of various elements of the country’s potential nuclear infrastructure and drawing up of a plan for their development in accordance with the recommendations set out by the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to the statement.
