Rosatom and Gazprom, Russia’s energy companies, organized a joint session at the African Energy Week (Cape Town, South Africa). The session “Powering Africa’s Future: Collaborative Energy Solutions” unveiled a suite of innovative energy solutions, perfectly tailored to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.
The session also included representatives from the South African investment company Raise Africa Investments, the South African EPC company, Lesedi Nuclear Services, and Nelson Mandela University. The session became the next logical step after Russia-Africa Summit held in Saint Petersburg in July this year.
In an illuminating showcase, the attendees were introduced to state-of-the-art technologies including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs), and large-scale NPPs. Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Corporate Development and International Business of Rosatom, expressed his vision with a powerful quote: “Since 2019, we have been operating floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) in Russia and are confident that this technological solution can address Africa’s needs for stable and secure energy, considering the geographical specifics of the region: Africa has a vast and diverse coastline that stretches along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.”
Rosatom’s long-term partnership with the countries in the region is aimed at developing reliable and safe energy projects capable of ensuring the sustainable development and technological sovereignty of the African continent. Recognizing the boundless potential of Africa’s youth, Rosatom has instigated initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of nuclear experts. Over 2,000 African students are currently learning nuclear skills in Russia, setting the stage for a cadre of passionate professionals ready to drive Africa’s energy renaissance. “Africa’s future is luminous, and we at Rosatom are determined to play our part in illuminating this path,” highlighted local CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, Ryan Collyer. He concluded, “With a spirit of respect, collaboration, and innovation, Rosatom is poised to make an indelible mark on Africa’s energy landscape.”
Dmitry Khandoga, the Head of Department at Gazprom, emphasized that the experience and solutions of the Gazprom Group can be used by African countries to benefit their population and economy. He stated, “Today’s session aims to showcase the opportunities of leading Russian energy industry sectors, namely nuclear and gas, for Africa. We are confident that the expertise of Russian companies can help fully unlock the energy potential of the region.”
