The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TVEL Fuel Company of Rosatom on 27 July 2023 providing for cooperation in the field of nuclear fuel production and related components. Both companies aim to share existing expertise in this field and further collaborate to develop the necessary capabilities.
Mr Oleg Grigoryev, Senior Vice President for Commerce and International Business signed on behalf of TVEL and Mr Loyiso Tyabashe, Group CEO of Necsa signed on behalf of Necsa.
During the signing ceremony, Necsa GCEO, Mr Loyiso Tyabashe remarked, “The memorandum signifies the commitment of both Necsa and TVEL to strengthen bilateral cooperation in using nuclear for peaceful means. It is particularly important for South Africa as it paves the way for Necsa to re-establish its capability on nuclear fuel production and supply. I believe that this collaboration will enhance the technological capabilities of both parties and foster a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership in the field of nuclear technology”.
Senior Vice President of TVEL Oleg Grigoryev noted, “Necsa is one of the most experienced companies in the world nuclear industry having broad competence. We are confident that our cooperation with such respected partner would contribute significantly to increase of global nuclear generation sustainability”.
The MoU is signed as South Africa prepares for the upcoming BRICS summit in August 2023 in South Africa. Signing of the Memorandum is a step to increase the sustainability of nuclear generation within the BRICS framework.
For reference:
TVEL Fuel Company of Rosatom is the leading nuclear fuel manufacturer and supplier for Russian design VVER reactors. It also developed and introduced to the market the original nuclear fuel for Western design PWR reactors named TVSK. The TVSK design is based on best solutions of Russian nuclear industry developed for light-water reactors and is fully independent of the third parties in terms of technology, production and intellectual property. TVSK provides higher safety and efficiency of PWR units.
Besides TVEL Fuel Company has unique expertise in the field of nuclear fuel manufacturing for fast neutron reactors and mixed oxide (MOX) fuel both for fast and VVER reactors. It also supplies a range of nuclear fuel components for BWR and PHWR reactors.
TVEL Fuel Company of ROSATOM is one of the world’s largest nuclear fuel vendors. The company includes enterprises specializing in uranium conversion, enrichment and nuclear fuel fabrication, as well as R&D organizations.
Necsa is 100% state-owned company responsible for processing source material, including uranium enrichment, and co-operating with other institutions, locally and abroad, on nuclear and related matters for the promotion of socio-economic development in South Africa as well as R&D in the field of nuclear energy and radiation sciences.
The SAFARI-1 Research Reactor is the mainstay for Necsa Group business as this directly links to the nuclear research, development and innovation mandate. It is a global player in nuclear technology and related innovative knowledge development. Apart from its main activities at Pelindaba, which include operation and utilisation of the SAFARI-1 research reactor, Necsa also manages and operates the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in the Northern Cape. It is oversees nuclear safeguards on behalf of South African government as delegated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Necsa conducts research utilising SAFARI-1 research reactor and has advanced manufacturing nuclear grade component capabilities.
Necsa engages in commercial business mainly through its wholly owned commercial subsidiaries NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd (NTP), which is responsible for a range of radiation-based products and services for healthcare, life sciences and industry. NTP is amongst top four global nuclear medical isotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment thereof. Pelchem SOC Ltd (Pelchem), is the second subsidiary which supplies fluorine and fluorine-based products. Both subsidiaries, together with their subsidiaries, supply local and foreign markets, earning valuable foreign exchange for South Africa.
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