Eskom is forging ahead with the nuclear build programme, and has signed a collaborative agreement with Coega Development Corporation (CDC).
Signed on Tuesday, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see the two state-owned companies work together to support government’s plans to for a nuclear programme.
“We are gearing ourselves up in preparation for the nuclear new build programme in order to deliver the project within the set timelines and budget,” says Abram Masango, Eskom’s group executive for group capital. “We want to ensure that South Africans get reliable, decarbonised baseload power that will bring sustainable economic growth.”
Areas of co-operation covered in the MOU include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Project management and implementation services for infrastructure development;
* Skills development and localisation;
* Provision of the requisite skills training for different stages of the project;
* Socio-economic development (SED) studies in relation to the impact of the NNBP; and
* Fitness for duty (FFD) centre processes.
Christopher Mashigo, executive manager of business development at CDC, says the collaboration with Eskom is aligned with the corporation’s mandate to drive the creation of an industrial complex to promote integration with industry and increase value-added production, while creating employment.
“An integrated energy plan carries with it the potential to catalyse the re-industrialisation of the East Coast Corridor manufacturing economy – translating to a higher and inclusive growth path and job creation,” says Mashigo.
Meanwhile, Eskom has applied for the environmental authorisation for the first nuclear power reactors.
The environmental assessment practitioners recommended Thyspunt site, which is located in Jeffrey’s Bay, in the Eastern Cape, as the preferred site.
Eskom in Coega nuclear deal
