Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Friday it was in advanced talks with four African countries about developing floating nuclear power plants to help address electricity shortages.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said discussions were underway with Egypt, Namibia, Tanzania and Togo.
Speaking to reporters after a Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, Likhachev said nine African countries had expressed interest in the technology, with talks involving the four countries reaching an advanced stage.
Russia is already building the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt.
Russia currently operates a floating nuclear power plant at Pevek in its remote Chukotka region. The facility began operations in 2020, and Russia sees potential for more such plants to supply remote areas, including the Arctic.
“A specific feature of several African economies is that some countries are paying a high price for electricity, despite not being in a strong financial position,” Likhachev said.
“This is precisely the area where we are now prepared to supply electricity, using floating nuclear power plants,” he said, noting that 38 African countries have access to the sea and could use the technology.
Likhachev also discussed a uranium extraction project in Namibia and plans for a lithium mine in Mali, which he said had estimated reserves of more than 4,000 tonnes.
Russia has sought for several years to expand its economic and military presence in Africa, where it competes with Western countries and China for influence.
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.