Zambia emulates Nigeria's nuclear energy policy as FG finalises modalities for new power plant
- Nigeria has led the way for some African countries in terms of investing in nuclear energy
- Zambia on its part has signed a general contract for the construction of a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) with ROSATOM
- The federal government of Nigeria, last October, signed an agreement with ROSATOM - Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy provider
As the Nigerian government works out modalities for construction of the nation’s nuclear research center and nuclear power plant - with ROSATOM - Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy provider, Zambia has signed a general contract for the construction of a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST), with the Russian state firm.
The signing took place during the 10th international Atomexpo-2018 forum in Sochi.
On behalf of Russia, the document was signed by general director of State Specialized Design Institute JSC (GSPI) Vyacheslav Galushkov, on behalf of Zambia - by permanent secretary of the ministry of higher education of Zambia, Mabvuto Sakala.
READ ALSO: Epileptic power supply: ROSATOM underscores need for nuclear energy in Nigeria
The signing took place in the presence of the general director of state corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev and the minister of energy of Zambia, Mathew Nkhuwa.
This marks the first joint project of Russia and Zambia in the field of nuclear technologies.
General director of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, said: “Signing the contract opens a new chapter in the partnership between Russia and Zambia. In the nearest future, we plan to start extensive practical works, including engineering surveys at the site of the centre, assessment of nuclear infrastructure and subsequent development plan in accordance with IAEA recommendations as well as global and Russian best practice.
“Construction of the center will enable the Republic of Zambia to become one of the leading players in nuclear technologies application in the Central and Southern African region.”
The center will be located 10 kilometers away from the capital of Zambia, Lusaka and the CNST will include a nuclear research facility based on a multipurpose research water-cooled reactor of up to 10 MW, a state of the art laboratory complex, multipurpose irradiation center as well as a cyclotron-based nuclear medicine center.
The project will be implemented in several stages within 3-6 years from the work commencement date under the contract.
The center will ensure wide application of radiation technologies in medicine, industry and agriculture. The CNST will also promote the growth of national education and science through the training of highly qualified experts in various fields.
Russia was represented in the CNST negotiations by the experts of Rusatom Overseas JSC, its management perimeter includes the GSPI. The contract signing strengthens significantly the presence of Rosatom on the global market of non-energy products and technologies, which shows dynamic growth rates today.
READ ALSO: Nigeria set to build nuclear power plants
Meanwhile, officials of Nigeria's Nuclear Regulatory Agency and the Atomic Energy Commission also participated in the 10th edition of ATOMEXPO.
The international forum held in the Russian city of Sochi, seeks global partnerships on peaceful uses of atomic energy.
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Source: Naija.ng