Russia’s confidence about winning SA nuclear bid relates to ‘technical ability’
by Agency Staff,
2016-03-16 13:31:15.0
RUSSIA is confident of winning a planned bid to build a fleet of nuclear power plants in SA because it has the best technology and a cost advantage due to the weak rouble and oil price, its state nuclear agency said on Wednesday.
Nikolay Drozdov, head of international business at Rosatom, said the cost of building nuclear plants in SA would be much lower than a $100bn estimate reported in the media.
"The devaluation of the rouble and low oil price makes us more cost competitive against dollar and euro bids," added Mr Drozdov, speaking at a conference in Johannesburg sponsored by Rosatom and endorsed by SA’s energy ministry.
Opposition parties have questioned the affordability of nuclear power as South Africa battles to maintain its investment grade credit rating.
Mr Drozdov also said reports that President Jacob Zuma and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had already agreed to give Russia the nuclear build contract was "baseless speculation".
"South African media has interpreted some things as a done deal. It’s incorrect. It is an open and transparent process. We have a global reputation to uphold," he said.
Reuters
Pylons carry electricity power lines past cooling towers at the Novovoronezh NPP-2 nuclear power station, operated by OAO Rosenergoatom, a unit of Rosatom, in Novovoronezh, Russia. Picture: BLOOMBERG
RUSSIA is confident of winning a planned bid to build a fleet of nuclear power plants in SA because it has the best technology and a cost advantage due to the weak rouble and oil price, its state nuclear agency said on Wednesday.
Nikolay Drozdov, head of international business at Rosatom, said the cost of building nuclear plants in SA would be much lower than a $100bn estimate reported in the media.
"The devaluation of the rouble and low oil price makes us more cost competitive against dollar and euro bids," added Mr Drozdov, speaking at a conference in Johannesburg sponsored by Rosatom and endorsed by SA’s energy ministry.
Opposition parties have questioned the affordability of nuclear power as South Africa battles to maintain its investment grade credit rating.
Mr Drozdov also said reports that President Jacob Zuma and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had already agreed to give Russia the nuclear build contract was "baseless speculation".
"South African media has interpreted some things as a done deal. It’s incorrect. It is an open and transparent process. We have a global reputation to uphold," he said.
Reuters
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