Russian state-owned nuclear company, Rosatom, says it would create more than 15,000 jobs in association with stakeholders of the South African nuclear program.

Speaking at the annual industry convention of the Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (NIASA) on Wednesday, Boris Arseev, the Vice-President of JSC Rusatom Overseas (a subsidiary of Rosatom), said, “Implementation of the South African nuclear generation development program together with Rosatom would allow to create 15,000 additional jobs in construction, service and operation of the new units, as well as several thousands of jobs in related industries.”

He said the program will increase the income of South African enterprises by $15 billion and an additional $3.5 billion in budget revenue.

Africa’s largest economy is planning to expand its nuclear energy sector and Rosatom is bidding for the construction of six South African power units with a total installed capacity of 9.6 GW.

South Africa’s Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) for 2010 to 2030, a 20-year projection on electricity supply and demand, envisaged 9 600 MW of additional nuclear capacity by 2030.

Russian president, Vladimir Putin, had expressed his country’s interest in assisting South Africa to develop an advanced nuclear power industry.

“We see great potential for cooperation in nuclear energy. Russia is ready to provide assistance in creating a comprehensive nuclear energy industry in South Africa,” Putin said.

As part of the company’s commitment, its subsidiary, Rusatom Overseas last week signed a memorandum of Understanding with South Africa’s North West University (NWU) in Moscow to develop cooperation programmes which will include cooperation in scientific research work, exchange of specialists, joint seminars and joint text book preparation.

NWU offers postgraduate degrees in nuclear engineering.