News
The 2 pressurized water reactors (PWR) at the Koeberg site were built by AREVA and are identical to those that generate a large portion of France's electricity. They produce 5-6% of South Africa's total power requirements.
Alongside its manufacturing business, AREVA is involved in education, training and social policy. The group also supports initiatives in the fields of health and the environment.
Exploration campaings, including radiometric surveys, have been carried out or are in progress to assess the potential of deposits.
AREVA possesses mining rights in South Africa. In light of defavorable market conditions, activities at Ryst Kuil were suspended.
AREVA supplies nuclear fuel for the Koeberg power plant (contract until 2012-2013).
CERCA also holds a privileged position in South Africa for the supply of nuclear fuel and has just entered into a technology transfer agreement with NEC SA.
- AREVA built the twin units of the Koeberg nuclear power plant (2x920MW) in the eighties.
- AREVA signed a 5-year partnership with ESKOM (South-African power production and distribution company) for inspections, maintenance, repairs and component replacement as well as for engineering services and upgrades. Negotiations to renew this partnership are in progress.
LESEDI Nuclear Services (in which AREVA has a 51 percent share), was founded to provide construction, operation and maintenance support and services to Eskom and AREVA. It has been dedicated to the nuclear power industry since its origins over 22 years ago. Lesedi currently employs more than 200 people including 60 qualified engineers and technicians with extensive nuclear experience. provides all the local resources for engineering and maintenance.
With a view to consolidating its historical nuclear partnership with South Africa, in 2008 AREVA presented a comprehensive solution comprising the construction of 2 EPR™ reactors and the implementation of a long-term partnership leading to joint development of a South African nuclear industry. In December 2008, ESKOM suspended its request for offers. The Ministry of Public Enterprises nonetheless stated in 2009 that the South African government still wants to develop nuclear power.
Bionergy
AREVA, NGO Pro-Natura International and South African company NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation) have been working together since 2003 on a project that combines energy and development in the production of green coal (coal produced without wood, purely from plant waste).
Solar power
South-Africa is one of the three fastest growing markets for CSP and the governement announced plans to develop solar power park ine the northwestern region of the country.
- Education, Training and Societal commitments in SA
AREVA is working with South Africa on training in the nuclear energy, mining and high-tech fields. Education and higher education are a major challenge for South Africa. Blacks have only recently been accepted in universities and access conditions are far from sufficient. - AREVA also supports a program led by Secours Populaire, near Johannesburg, whose objective is to offer wellness activities to children aged 4 to 18 by setting up writing groups, theatre groups, drawing groups, etc.