Eskom and the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) have signed a collaborative agreement on South Africa\u2019s nuclear new build programme.<\/p>\n
Signed on Tuesday, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see the two state-owned companies work together in support of government\u2019s plans to build local capacity through supplier development and localisation around the unfolding infrastructure for the nuclear programme.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d said Eskom\u2019s Group Executive for Group Capital, Abram Masango.<\/p>\n
Masango said it is critical to lay the foundation for local people to participate meaningfully during the various stages of the project by skilling them for jobs as well as business opportunities.<\/p>\n
The areas of cooperation covered in the MOU will include, but will not be limited to, the following:<\/p>\n
Stakeholder engagement and communications<\/strong><\/p>\n The Coega Development Corporation\u2019s Executive Manager of Business Development, Christopher Mashigo said the collaboration with Eskom is aligned with the corporation\u2019s mandate to drive the creation of an industrial complex to promote integration with industry and increase value-added production, while creating employment.<\/p>\n \u201cAn integrated energy plan carries with it the potential to catalyse the re-industrialisation of the East Coast Corridor manufacturing economy \u2013 translating to a higher and inclusive growth path and job creation,\u201d said Mashigo.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Eskom has applied for the environmental authorisation for the first nuclear power reactors.<\/p>\n The environmental assessment practitioners recommended Thyspunt site, which is located in Jeffrey\u2019s Bay, in the Eastern Cape, as the preferred site.<\/p>\n Eskom said the success of the nuclear new build programme rests on the participation of various government departments and state-owned enterprises.<\/p>\n \u201cThe memorandum of understanding between Coega and Eskom enhances the bond between these state entities.\u201d<\/p>\n Eskom is the designated procurer for the nuclear new build programme.<\/p>\n The CDC is mandated to develop, grow, and attract manufacturing capabilities in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in the Eastern Cape.<\/p>\n
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