French nuclear energy company Areva has submitted a bid to build South Africa's next nuclear power station, following invitations to tender by local electricity utility Eskom last November.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Areva said their bid was in response to the South Africa's call for two proposals, the first being known as "Nuclear-1" - for the construction of a nuclear power plant with a generation capacity of between 3 000 and 3 500 megawatts.

The second proposal is known as "Fleet", and deals with the preliminary elements relating to the potential construction of a whole fleet of nuclear power stations by 2025, with a combined generating capacity of about 20 000 megawatts.

"Areva is proposing a global partnership to South Africa and Eskom covering the construction and the joint development of a South African nuclear industry," the company said. "The first element of this partnership covers the construction of two EPRs (European pressurised reactors) within the scope of the 'Nuclear-1' program and possibly 10 others within the scope of 'Fleet' program."

To carry out the project, Areva is heading a consortium that consists of fellow French companies Bouygues (which is involved with the Gautrain rapid rail link construction) and Électricité de France as well as South African engineering and construction company Aveng.

"Should it opt for the EPR, Eskom will be able to take full advantage of its advanced third generation technological features and the experience gained from projects currently underway in Finland and France," Areva said.

According to the statement, the second element of the partnership related to the long-term development of South Africa's nuclear industry. Areva said it planned to invest alongside national players and offer its expertise in all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.

"This ambitious proposal is in keeping with the group's desire to remain a longstanding partner of Eskom and South Africa in the nuclear field," the company said.

Areva built the two nuclear reactors currently in operation on the Koeberg site outside Cape Town, and also holds a 51% stake in Lesedi, an empowerment company specialising in services to power plants.

SAinfo reporter

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