Russia is trying to strengthen its influence in Africa and earn billions by selling nuclear technology to developing countries in this region. It is reported by the British newspaper The Guardian.
According to the publication, over the past two years, representatives of the Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom have contacted dozens of African leaders. As a result, they entered into transactions with the authorities of Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and other states in the region. So, Rosatom has signed an agreement with Nigeria on the construction of a nuclear reactor there. In Egypt, the corporation is already building a $ 29 billion reactor. Representatives of Rosatom are also actively working to promote their product in Zambia.
A typical package offered to African countries interested in nuclear technology includes generous loans from Russia and long-term contracts, The Guardian writes. Thus, Russia loaned Egypt 85% of the cost of a nuclear reactor under construction. In addition, Rosatom is improving the skills of local specialists in nuclear physics and atomic energy.
Rosatom is one of the international companies that export technologies related to the use of so-called “light” water in reactors. Such technologies are considered one of the safest in the world, however, nuclear power plants built on their basis generate too much energy, developing countries in Africa simply will not be able to use it in its entirety, The Guardian notes.
An atomic energy expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, Nevin Schepers, believes that from an economic point of view it would be more profitable for developing countries to use small and medium-sized reactors (modular reactors).