South Africa to Consider Russian and Iranian Bids for Nuclear Project

South Africa’s government has confirmed it is open to nuclear energy proposals from Russia or Iran as it seeks to add 2,500 megawatts to its existing Koeberg nuclear plant. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe stressed that no country will be barred from bidding, despite US concerns about Pretoria “reinvigorating” ties with Iran. These allegations surfaced in a new executive order from President Trump, which halted American aid and threatened to complicate negotiations on a long-awaited civilian nuclear pact known as a Section 123 Agreement. That pact, crucial for US exports of nuclear fuel and technology, lapsed in December 2022. Failure to renew it could limit South Africa’s ability to procure reactor fuel for Koeberg’s Unit 1 from Westinghouse, as well as discourage US investors like TerraPower from pursuing nuclear opportunities in the country.

Source: Reuters