Edited by Bev Mortimer – Breaking… Stratek Global, based in Gauteng, has formed a partnership with French company, Groupe Albatros, to drive its SA-developed nuclear energy projects in Africa & the Middle East.
In a PR release today, 17 February, it was revealed this Strategic EPC Partnership combines Stratek Global’s expertise in the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology, with the proven track record of Goupe Albatros in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
Dr Kelvin Kemm, Chairman of Stratek Global, a leader in advanced nuclear power solutions, said: “The Stratek Global consortium has spent decades developing an extremely advanced nuclear reactor, which crucially does not need a large body of water to operate. The HTMR-100, being a high temperature reactor, is also ideal for non-electricity functions such as water desalination, or the provision of industrial heat.”
M. Henri-Guillaume Gueydan, the Chairman of Groupe Albatros, related: “Our collaboration will leverage Stratek Global’s nuclear energy expertise and Albatros’s R&D, design and engineering capabilities to ensure quality project execution. We appreciate the magnitude of the nuclear reactor market in African countries, for this unique South African nuclear reactor.”
“As Africa and the Middle East pursue ambitious energy security and industrialisation goals, the need for reliable, scalable, and emissions-free power generation has never been greater. A world future for SMR systems is unfolding in front of us right now.
“We cannot miss the opportunity. Furthermore, this technological challenge does match our corporate values and social responsibility towards future generations, within our organisation and into territories, which are deeply impacted by the lack of energy resources for growth, as found on the African Continent.”
M Gueydan also said: “Due to the combined expertise and experience of Stratek Global and Groupe Albatros, we are in a position to address advanced manufacturing techniques and advanced manufacturing continuous production.
“A factor which reduces the costs of modular construction reactors is that much of the reactor can be built indoors in a factory production-line process, using advanced manufacturing techniques and precision quality assurance. This is a giant leap forward for nuclear power worldwide.”
Dr Kemm also revealed there has also been quite a bit of international interest in using such a reactor to power data centres, which are expanding at a great rate. “The reason being that the electricity is extremely stable and reliable, and if need be the reactor can be owned by the data centre owners, and placed on the same site.
“We have been approached by a number of African countries, and by some countries in the Middle East who realise that their future lies in the reliability and flexibility of nuclear power.”
He adds they have also been approached by provinces, municipalities, individual companies and agricultural groupings, who realise they can own their own nuclear reactor, due to its small size and feasible economics. Currently, worldwide, a limitation of most nuclear power plants is that they need to use the ocean for cooling, or a very large lake. We can put our HTMR-100 reactor absolutely anywhere, water or no water.”
Kemm added that an additional advantage of these small reactors is that up to 10 of these reactors can be placed on one site. Another advantage is that reactors can be added at any time, as the demand dictates, or the finances allow.”
In addition, according to the press release, Stratek Global and Groupe Albatros have recognised the need for African countries to establish their own reliable electricity supply, coupled to energy security. In discussions with a number of countries it has been clearly indicated that in future they will need their own fuel fabrication plants, or at least fuel supplies from more than one supplier. In addition, the fabrication of critical assemblies and components should be carried out in more than one Fabrication Plant.
The partnership between the two parties will commence with feasibility studies and site selection for initial projects in South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, and Oman.
Groupe Albatros is a globally recognised French EPC firm specialising in delivering high-value energy and infrastructure projects. This French group consists of Aloris and Sigedi, and has decades of experience in large-scale industrial and power projects. The company is also known for its engineering excellence and project execution capabilities, with its customers being some of the largest energy majors in the world. www.albatros-groupe.com/en/
Stratek Global provides a spectrum of nuclear energy solutions through its consortium, including high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, TRISO fuel design and fabrication, and spent fuel management services. With a strong presence in Africa, Europe, and Australia, Stratek Global is committed to delivering innovative and scalable energy solutions for industrial, regional, and national energy security. www.stratekglobal.com
