Rosatom, Mali discussing small NPP, solar power station projects

MOSCOW. July 3 (Interfax) - The state corporation Rosatom has held talks with Mali on the possibility of creation in the country of a small nuclear power plant, as well as joint projects in the sphere of solar generation and geological exploration, Rosatom said.

"Substantive talks have been conducted with a ministerial delegation of the Republic of Mali led by Economy and Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou. In particular, there was a substantive discussion on projects in the sphere of solar generation and geological exploration. Special attention was given to the prospects of launching a strategic project to build in Mali a small nuclear power plant of Russian design," the report said.

According to earlier reports, a memorandum of understanding on the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes was signed with Mali in October 2023. "The memorandum outlines priorities and instruments as well as areas for joint work that present mutual interest. In particular, these include the development of Mali's nuclear infrastructure, fundamental and applied research, the use of radioisotopes, radiation and physical safety, personnel training, and nuclear research installations and nuclear energy," Rosatom said in a report then.

In April 2024, NovaWind (a wind power entity of Rosatom) ordered an analysis of the energy system and determination of prospective sites for the construction of renewable energy facilities in Mali. The potential capacity of the power facilities was not stated in the materials of the corresponding procurement.