The Coega Development Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Eskom to cooperate in the development of South Africa's nuclear new build programme.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the two state-owned companies said they had agreed to work together in support of government's plans to build local capacity through supplier development and localisation.
Eskom's, Abram Masango, said it’s critical to lay the foundation for local people to participate meaningfully during the various stages of the nuclear build project by skilling them for jobs as well as business opportunities.
“We are gearing ourselves up in preparation for the nuclear new build programme in order to deliver the project within the set timelines and budget. We want to ensure that South Africans get reliable, decarbonised baseload power that will bring sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Masango said that “we look forward to a productive working relationship under this memorandum with our counterparts, the CDC”.
Meanwhile, the CDC's Executive Manager of Business Development, Christopher Mashigo said the collaboration with Eskom is aligned with the mandate of the CDC.
He said this was to “drive the creation of an industrial complex to promote integration with industry and increase value-added production, while creating employment and the associated socio-economic benefits in the region in which it is located.”
“An integrated energy plan carries with it the potential to catalyse the (re-)industrialisation of the East Coast Corridor manufacturing economy – translating to a higher and inclusive growth path and job creation,” Mashigo said.
Eskom has applied for the environmental authorisation for the first nuclear power reactors. The environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs) recommended Thyspunt site, which is located in Jeffrey’s Bay, in the Eastern Cape, as the preferred site, the statement said.
