SA, Russia enhance nuclear co-operation

Training to be given to personnel during joint projects

RUSSIA will assist South Africa in training personnel for its nuclear power industry and in enhancing public awareness of nuclear energy in the African country, it was announced on Thursday.

The South African Department of Energy (DOE) said it had signed two memorandums of understanding to this effect with the Russian State Corporation, Rosatom.

In accordance with the first document on nuclear training, Russia and South Africa intend to implement several joint projects for education in the nuclear power industry, the DOE said.

The countries will co-operate in order to provide training for five categories of specialists for the South African nuclear industry: nuclear power plant personnel, engineers and construction workers, staff for operations not related to the power industry, personnel for nuclear infrastructure, students and teachers.

In accordance with this memorandum, both parties will strive to realise education programmes for 200 South African candidates at Russian universities and educational organisations.

This memorandum also stipulates the development of educational materials and scientific literature on nuclear power, student exchange programs for students of various levels of training, organisation of inter nships and summer courses, student competitions and teacher training.

The second memorandum on public awareness of nuclear energy stipulates joint efforts of the parties aimed at promoting nuclear power in South Africa, increasing the awareness of local residents of modern nuclear technologies used in the power industry and in other industries, and ensuring public acceptance of nuclear power, according to the DOE.

In particular, the parties have agreed to work out a plan for the implementation of a joint communication programme to be launched in South Africa,

This will involve the organisation of round tables and other events aimed at promotion nuclear power and modern nuclear technologies.

Rosatom and the DOE will also consider the creation of a Nuclear Energy Information Centre in South Africa, with the aim of enhancing the exchange of information and best practices.