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Russian Rosatom, Africa Renew Partnership to Provide Energy Solutions, Company's Official Says

12:50, 26 November 2024

Alla Shukanova

Writer / Editor

Russia and Africa now have an opportunity to restore a strong relationship in the nuclear sphere that they had during the USSR era, Russia's state nuclear energy corporation's official noted.

Sputnik

Russia's state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom is returning to Africa after a pause in developing relations with the continent's countries in the field of nuclear energy, and by working together, Rosatom and Africa can provide solutions to energy challenges, Rosatom's CEO in Central and South Africa, Ryan Collyer, told Sputnik Africa.

"I think there was a bit of a hiatus, and we're [Rosatom] now coming back to Africa. And I think Africa sees the potential of working closely with Russia in terms of solving some of the energy worries," Collyer said.

Nuclear energy will play the key role in Africa's development, according to the official.

"Renewable energy, some fossil fuels will be required […], and I think nuclear [energy] really will play a key role in providing Africa with the energy that is required to bolster an industry, bolster economies," the speaker said, highlighting the importance of Rosatom's work on the continent.

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He also emphasized Rosatom's global leadership in nuclear power plant exports due to its long-standing reputation as a trusted partner and advanced technology.

BRICS cooperation could also provide creative and innovative nuclear energy solutions, including in Africa, as the alliance's countries account for a significant portion of the world's operational and under-construction nuclear power plants, Collyer added.

"I think BRICS becomes a unique platform when it comes to nuclear [energy]. I mean, if we look at the BRICS countries, they account for over 120 of the nuclear power units in the world. That's 415 units under operation. If you look at the power plants under construction, currently 70% of those are in BRICS and BRICS Plus countries," he said.