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GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR A MULTIPURPOSE REACTOR PROJECT

Date Published: 09 Feb 2022

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) supports the Request For Information (RFI) for the Multipurpose Research Reactor Project as released by South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) on Sunday, 06 February 2021. In September 2021, the cabinet approved the acquisition and construction of a new Multipurpose Research Reactor to replace the current SAFARI-1 nuclear research reactor, owned and operated by Necsa, located at Pelindaba, near Pretoria.

 

The DMRE believes that this project will ensure South Africa remains amongst the top four global radioisotopes producers as well as ensuring continuation of research and development on nuclear technology. This places Necsa on a path to provide much needed radioactive isotopes for medical and industrial applications, execution of research through beam lines, bolster massive infrastructure development and create thousands of sustainable jobs which are essential for our economy.

 

SAFARI-1 has been operating since 1965 and is scheduled for decommissioning in 2030. This research reactor has placed South Africa among global leading producers of medical radioisotopes used to diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer. Replacing SAFARI-1 with Multipurpose Research Reactor will make sure that the country continues its legacy for peaceful use of nuclear technology for socioeconomic development.

 

The Department notes that the RFI is the information-gathering and market-testing exercise only and is NOT a competitive tender. Therefore, the information provided will not be used as a basis for awarding a contract or order, or preclude a supplier’s participation in a competitive tender

 

The RFI is available on the Necsa website www.necsa.co.za and also published in the National Treasury tender platforms as well as the global websites such as www.globaltenders.com and www.ontimetenders.com. The closing date is 30 days from the date of issue.

 

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Media Enquiries: mediadesk@energy.gov.za / media@dmre.gov.za

 

Issued by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

 

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