By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) says that the lapsed nuclear cooperation agreement between South Africa and the United States poses no immediate crisis for the country.
South Africa and the US signed a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in 1995, which came into effect on 4 December 1997 for a period of 25 years.
The agreement expired on 4 December 2022, causing some panic among South Africans and raising questions about whether or not the country’s only nuclear power station – Koeberg – would be able to run without Eskom being able to secure fuel.
In a statement, the department emphasised that a new agreement between government and the USA is under negotiation, which was initiated in 2018.
“Negotiations on a new agreement are ongoing and the parties have resolved to expedite the process, while engaging on measures to ensure continuity of cooperation during the negotiations of the New Nuclear Cooperations Agreement.
“We are confident and strongly believe that there is commitment between the Parties to conclude the new Nuclear Cooperation Agreement to ensure mutual economic benefit between the two countries, “the DMRE said.
The department assured that South Africa’s Koeberg power station is not in immediate danger of running out of fuel after the USA withdrew authorisation for fuel supply to the power station, while also acknowledging the urgency for a resolution.
“Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is currently being supplied with nuclear fuel from Westinghouse Electric Company LLC from the USA to load [Koeberg] Unit 1, and Framatome from France to load [Koeberg] Unit 2. The nuclear fuel for current loading cycle that is in progress has already been purchased and delivered at Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant.
“For the next cycle, Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is expecting fuel to be delivered by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC early 2024. Therefore, there is no immediate crisis which could exacerbate the load shedding from Eskom due to Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant.
“However, the Department notes that urgent resolution is needed to allow Westinghouse Electric Company LLC to provide fuel supply,” the department said.
Addressing the media on Thursday (2 February), Eskom said that South Africa has more than a year to secure a new agreement with the US, but even failing that, there are options available to source fuel from other certified vendors.