Question NW3701 to the Minister of Energy
02 November 2015 - NW3701
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Energy
(1)With reference to the National Treasury’s 2014-15 Annual Report which states that the National Treasury compiled a memorandum on Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) training and research educational assets as well as the transaction with the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, why was the specified PBMR transaction not included in the nuclear co-operation framework agreement signed with the Russian Federation in 2014; (2) (a) what is the nature and extent of the Government’s transaction with Rosatom and (b) is the Government selling the PBMR (i) hardware and/or (ii) intellectual property; (3) What is the total value of the specified PBMR transaction; (4) What tender process has been undertaken in this regard; (5) Does the specified transaction comply with South Africa’s commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of 1968?
Reply:
- Government of South Africa’s intention is to procure the Nuclear New Build Programme including the 9.6 GW of nuclear energy. The Department of Energy would respectfully advise you to further consult with National Treasury regarding their annual report statements.
- a) There is no transaction between Government and Rosatom apart from the signed Nuclear Framework Agreement.
b) No the Government is not selling the PBMR, i) nor is it selling the Hardware and/or ii) Intellectual Property.
3. See answer in 2) above.
4. There is no tender process involving PBMR taking place as stated above.
5. There is no specified transaction on this matter.