The conventional nuclear plant, should it be constructed, would be a more modern counterpart of the current Koeberg nuclear power station, and would be significantly larger than the planned, South African-developed, Pebble-Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) power plant.
The proposed new large reactor would be a complement, and not an alternative, to the PBMR.
The DME delegation visited some nuclear-research institutions during its time in Russia.
That country has some modern technologies in the field of nuclear power, and is cooperating with India and Iran on the construction of nuclear power reactors.
Russia is also supplying low-enriched uranium to South Africa.
Russian sources indicate that their country would like to increase its cooperation with South Africa in the fields of nuclear engineering and construction.
These issues could be discussed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Thabo Mbeki during the former's State visit to this country, which starts today (September 4) and continues tomorrow (September 5).
South Africa has also approached France and the US concerning the proposed new large power reactor.
In addition, Canada is interested in offering its nuclear power technology for the proposed project.
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