Question NW3785 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
03 November 2015 - NW3785
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)Why was the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) transaction not included in the nuclear co-operation framework agreement that was signed with the Russian Federation in 2014; (2) is the Government selling the PBMR hardware or intellectual property; (3) whether any tender process has been undertaken in this regard; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) PBMR has been placed under care and maintenance since 2010 and has not been involved in any commercial transactions other than the disposal of non-strategic assets that was approved as part of the care and maintenance. The Rosatom transaction reported in the National Treasury Annual Report was declined on this basis.
Issues relating to nuclear co-operation framework agreement and what is included therein, are within the domain of the Minister of Energy.
(2) Government is not selling any of PBMR hardware or intellectual property.
(3) There are no commercial activities taking place within PBMR as it is under care and maintenance, therefore no tender processes have been undertaken.