As South African utility Eskom anticipates months of load-shedding, the Koeberg nuclear power plant has been singled out to act as a blueprint for the development of the operator capabilities that are vital to strengthen the country's vulnerable electricity supply system.

South Africa "continues to make significant progress" in its engagements with various prospective nuclear vendor countries, according to a statement from President Jacob Zuma's office today.

Chinese and South African parties have signed several nuclear accords including a memorandum of understanding on a nuclear fuel cycle partnership, a financing framework agreement for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in South Africa, and an agreement on nuclear personnel training.

South Africa and China have signed an intergovernmental framework agreement on nuclear cooperation. It follows the recent signing of similar accords with France and Russia.

Westinghouse has filed an application with the South African high court charging Eskom with contempt of court over the utility's failure to supply documentation under a previous court order.

South Africa is moving towards signing framework agreements with China and Japan and is inviting would-be reactor vendor countries to participate in workshops to showcase their offerings as it moves through the pre-procurement phase of its nuclear new-build plans.

South Africa has signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with France, opening the door to the possible deployment of French nuclear technology as South Africa looks to expand its nuclear power program.

South Africa intends to sign agreements with French and Chinese reactor vendors, following on from its recent intergovernmental nuclear partnership agreement with Russia. Meanwhile President Jacob Zuma has publicly refuted media allegations over his involvement the Russian agreement.

South Africa and Russia have signed an intergovernmental agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation in the nuclear industry.

Plans for nuclear power figure heavily in South African energy policy - and the country aims to ensure long-term security of supply by developing its own fuel cycle capabilities.

Areva says work will begin immediately on six new steam generators for the Koeberg nuclear power plant after signing a contract with South African utility Eskom. Meanwhile, Westinghouse is continuing legal proceedings over Eskom's decision to award the job to Areva.

Westinghouse has withdrawn its request for an urgent interdict against South African utility Eskom. The Toshiba-owned company will, however, continue legal action to obtain a review of a decision to award a tender for replacement steam generators for the Koeberg nuclear power plant to France’s Areva.