Nuclear dynamics in Africa: a Russian view

2016-05-05

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In response to its growing energy crisis, South Africa is planning to expand its current nuclear capacity. Other African countries are also considering developing peaceful nuclear energy programmes to meet their development goals.

The collapse of the uranium price means nuclear material is now more affordable. This creates new opportunities for countries to pursue other peaceful nuclear activities, including nuclear energy, while some countries are moving away from mining uranium. But at what cost?

This seminar, hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), discussed nuclear dynamics in Africa, and the role that Russia is willing and able to play to support African states in their ambitions to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The seminar was opened by Noel Stott, Senior Research Fellow at the ISS. It was moderated by Nicolas Kasprzyk, ISS Consultant. Anton Khlopkov, director of the Center for Energy and Security Studies and an expert on nuclear issues and of the Russian Federation’s foreign policy, was the sole speaker.

His presentation highlighted the following:

The speaker also identified areas for potential Russia-Africa nuclear co-operation. These include:

Closed discussions after the presentation focused on:

The risk that the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy on the African continent may result in the diversion of sensitive material and technology that could fuel the nuclear weapons programmes of nuclear-armed states, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

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