Rosatom showcased floating nuclear power unit technologies at Enlit Africa 2025
Cape Town, South Africa: Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation presented modern nuclear technologies at the Enlit Africa 2025 conference and exhibition, held from May 20 to 22 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The event was attended by representatives of authorised institutions from South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya, as well as leaders of energy companies from across the continent.
At Rosatom’s exhibition stand, visitors were introduced to a multimedia presentation of floating power unit (FPU) technologies, a model of the RITM-200 reactor, and solutions for uranium extraction using in-situ recovery (a method of dissolving uranium from ore by injecting solvents through boreholes).
One of the programme’s highlights was the panel discussion “80 Years of Russian Nuclear Legacy: Powering Africa’s Sustainable Future with Floating Nuclear Units”, held on May 21. Speakers included: Sengiphile Simelane, Group Executive: Power and Industry, NECSA, South Africa; Katse Maphoto, Chief Director, Nuclear Safety and Technology, Department of Electricity and Energy of South Africa; Dr Robert Sogbadji, Deputy Director, Nuclear and Alternative Energy, Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ghana; Vladimir Aptekarev, Deputy General Director, Rosatom’s Mechanical Engineering Division; Velaphi Ntuli, General Manager and Chief Nuclear Officer, Eskom Koeberg and others.
Participants discussed how floating nuclear power unit technologies could help address electricity deficits in areas with limited infrastructure and support long-term energy resilience across African nations. Vladimir Aptekarev noted: “Floating power units represent a unique solution for the continent, taking into account its climatic, economic, and infrastructural specifics. These advanced and flexible technologies will provide stable and environmentally friendly energy supply to coastal cities, remote areas, and industrial facilities, contributing to Africa’s sustainable development and energy independence”.
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Head of the Rosatom delegation and Rosatom International Network Director General Vadim Titov emphasised that this year the nuclear industry marks two significant anniversaries – 80 years of Russian nuclear industry and the 60th anniversary of the SAFARI-1 research reactor in South Africa – highlighting the long-standing commitment of both countries to the peaceful development of nuclear technologies. “Today, Rosatom is a leader in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies and a reliable partner for the entire African continent. We offer flexible and sustainable nuclear energy solutions that may transform the region’s energy landscape. Together, we are building strong friendship laying the foundation for a bright, secure, and prosperous future for the whole continent,” he stated.
Enlit Africa is a leading annual conference and exhibition that brings together professionals, innovators, policymakers, and investors from Africa’s energy, water, and power sectors to address key challenges and promote sustainable development. Founded in 2000, the event has evolved into the continent’s most influential platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue, featuring expert-led sessions for 25 years.
Organised by VUKA Group and held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, it annually attracts thousands of participants and over 200 speakers. Enlit Africa remains a key venue for energy dialogue on the African continent where discussions focus on technological solutions, investment strategies, and building a safer, more inclusive, and climate-resilient energy system. In this context, nuclear energy continues to play an important role as part of a comprehensive approach to Africa’s energy future.
Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation is a diversified holding company that consolidates assets in energy, mechanical engineering, and construction. Its activities also include the production of innovative non-nuclear products, logistics, the development of the Northern Sea Route, and the implementation of environmental projects. The corporation unites over 450 enterprises and organisations employing around 420,000 people. Rosatom is the largest producer of low-carbon electricity in Russia, generating approximately 20% of the country’s total electricity output. It also holds the world’s largest portfolio of nuclear power plant construction projects, with 39 power units (including six small modular reactors) at various stages of implementation in 10 countries.
Rosatom offers foreign customers a comprehensive solution that provides access to the entire line of products and services throughout the nuclear power plant’s (NPP) life. It includes not only the construction of NPPs using Russian technologies, but also the creation and development of nuclear infrastructure in the country; assistance in forming the relevant legislative framework; training and retraining of national personnel; involvement of a local industry in the project; fuel supply and maintenance of NPPs; assistance in their operation; spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management; and effective public awareness of nuclear energy.
Russia is actively developing cooperation with all interested countries. Implementation of major foreign energy projects continues. Rosatom and its enterprises take an active part in this work.
