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Westinghouse has withdrawn its request for an urgent interdict against South African utility Eskom.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.

South Africa has confirmed its commitment to nuclear power, allocating ZAR850 million ($81 million) – over 10% of its energy ministry's budget – to research and development.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to establish a BRICS "energy association" that will include a fuel reserve bank and an energy policy institute.

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The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute has been formally launched by South Africa's energy minister. It will be responsible for the management and disposal of the country's radioactive waste.

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Separate incidents at research reactors supplying molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) have once again illustrated the fragile nature of the medical isotope's supply chain. Meanwhile a unique new facility has started production of lead-212.