SA, US in nuclear collaboration pact
17 September 2009
The United States and South Africa have signed an agreement to collaborate in the research and development of next-generation nuclear technologies.
The agreement was signed by Energy Minister Dipuo Peters and US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) annual general conference in Vienna, Austria this week.
Research, development, skills
According to the United States Embassy in Pretoria, the two countries will collaborate in research and development aimed at improving the cost, safety and proliferation-resistance of nuclear power systems.
"They hope to develop advanced concepts and scientific breakthroughs to address and overcome technical and economic obstacles to the expanded peaceful uses of nuclear energy," the embassy said in a statement.
"The cooperation will assist in the development of nuclear power in both countries to support economic growth in a sustainable way," it said.
The agreement will also support efforts to promote nuclear science and engineering infrastructure and skills.
A specific area of cooperation is expected to be South Africa's Pebble Bed Modular Reactor programme.
'Important partner'
The US sees South Africa as an important partner in building international consensus and momentum among nuclear and non-nuclear weapons states on the shared non-proliferation and disarmament agenda.
"As the only state to have developed and then given up its nuclear weapons, joining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapons state, South Africa possesses unique credibility and perspective on these issues," the embassy said.
It added that the US was looking forward to working with South Africa at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington in April 2010.
Source: BuaNews
