Siemens Energy has provided the clearest indication yet of the role it expects to play in its recently announced partnership with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA).
Its focus will be on the “power island” and supporting technologies for future small modular reactors (SMRs), says Siemens Energy Chairman and Managing Director for Southern and Eastern Africa Thabo Molekoa.
Molekoa spoke to Energize following the signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) intended to enable the two organisations to explore opportunities related to SMRs for power generation.
“Our role is primarily around the power island and supporting technologies that enable safe, reliable and efficient nuclear generation,” Molekoa said.
The power island generally includes the turbine generator and associated systems that convert steam into electricity.
The MoU extends beyond SMRs with Siemens Energy identifying several potential technical workstreams that were not detailed in the initial announcement. These include the possible establishment of a Virtual Nuclear Academy, advanced manufacturing, non-destructive testing benchmarking and localisation.
The MoU also provides for the potential establishment of joint working groups comprising representatives from both organisations. These groups would identify areas where cooperation could add value, consider appropriate reporting structures and review progress.
No specific projects have yet been agreed. Molekoa said future discussions will be guided by the need to expand generation capacity and strengthen energy security.
The collaboration could also cover advanced manufacturing and national industrial participation programmes arising from future infrastructure projects.
Molekoa said technology transfer could support the development of local industrial capability and supply chains.
“Fundamentally, the success of this partnership will be reflected in the progress we make identifying credible areas for cooperation.”
