Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Zimbabwe yesterday officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) “on cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy”, as the country seeks alternative sources of power and ensure future energy security.
The pact was signed between Energy and Power Development Minister Soda Zhemu and ROSATOM director-general Alexey Likhachev on the sidelines of the 65th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference currently underway in Vienna, Austria.
In a statement on Monday, ROSATOM said the agreement forms the basis of cooperation in agriculture, industry and energy.
“The Memorandum is the first document signed between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy. The document creates a basis for cooperation in a wide range of areas such as projects in the sphere of non-power applications of atomic energy in industry, agriculture and medicine. Particular attention deems to focus at personnel training for the national atomic industry of Zimbabwe and public acceptance of nuclear energy,” reads part of the statement.
The parties will explore the feasibility of constructing a nuclear science and technology centre.
Moscow-based ROSATOM is the largest electricity producer in Russia and has 35 power units at different stages of implementation in 12 countries.
It also specialises in manufacturing equipment and isotopes for nuclear medicine, does research, materials studies, digital products, manufactures various innovative nuclear and non-nuclear products.
It is believed that Zimbabwe has proven uranium deposits in the Zambezi Valley.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter