Mali, Russia Discuss Co-operation On Nuclear Energy

The Republic of Mali has begun negotiations with Russia for the establishment of the country’s first Russian-designed nuclear power plant in the West African nation.

Aside from energy, the West African nation is negotiating with Russia for co-operation on personnel development.

A meeting was recently held between the President of the transition period of Mali, Assimi Goïta, and Rosatom on the prospects of nuclear energy development.

During the meeting, Nikolay Spassky, who is the Deputy Director-General for International Relations at Rosatom, informed the President in detail about the progress of the main co-operation projects being implemented in the country through the organisation.

Malian Minister for Economy and Finance Alousséni Sanou led the government ministerial negotiations team.

Projects in the fields of solar generation and geological exploration, in particular, were discussed in detail.

Particular attention was also given to the prospect of launching a strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali.

As a result of the negotiations, three memoranda were signed.

Documents on co-operation in the field of development of nuclear infrastructure and on forming a positive public opinion were signed with Bintou Camara, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Mali.

Bourema Kansaye, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Mali, signed a memorandum about co-operation in the field of personnel training.

The parties agreed to continue maintaining close contacts and periodically co-ordinate positions as joint work progresses.

Co-operation between Mali and Rosatom may be a productive step towards building a sustainable energy future in Africa.

According to the International Energy Agency, 43% of the African population, or about 600 million people, still have no access to electricity.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com