Mali and Rosatom seal nuclear energy cooperation agreements

The Malian military junta and Rosatom, a Russian state-owned company, have signed three cooperation agreements, including a project for a low-power nuclear power plant.
Accords Mali Rosatom nucléaire

Partagez:

Mali’s ruling military junta has strengthened its ties with Rosatom, the Russian state-owned nuclear company, by signing three cooperation agreements. These agreements include discussions on the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant, a project that could transform the country’s energy landscape. This partnership is part of a wider strategy by Rosatom, which is seeking to increase its presence in Africa by signing cooperation agreements with several of the continent’s nations.
Since the coup d’état of 2020, Mali has gradually turned its back on its traditional Western allies, seeking new partnerships to support its economic and energy development. Rosatom responded to this call by proposing not only a nuclear power plant, but also solar energy and geological exploration projects. Discussions took place between junta officials, notably Assimi Goita, and Rosatom representatives on July 2 and 3.

Nuclear and renewable energy projects

Details of the low-power nuclear power plant have yet to be defined. However, this project holds great promise for Mali, a country facing significant energy challenges. At present, the only operational nuclear power plant in Africa is in Koeberg, South Africa. Rosatom, in partnership with Egypt, is also building another power plant, illustrating its ability to carry out complex nuclear projects on the continent.
In addition to nuclear power, discussions covered solar projects and geological exploration initiatives, underlining Mali’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources. This diversification is crucial to reducing the country’s dependence on traditional energy sources and promoting sustainable development.

Geopolitical issues and outlook

This partnership with Rosatom could reposition Mali on the world energy scene. By integrating nuclear and renewable technologies, the country could not only meet its growing energy needs, but also attract more foreign investment. However, this cooperation also raises geopolitical questions, particularly in terms of security and dependence on Russia.
Previous agreements between Rosatom and other African countries show a trend towards long-term strategic partnerships. For Mali, the challenge will be to ensure that these projects truly benefit its economic and social development, while managing the risks associated with increased dependence on a foreign player.
Ongoing cooperation between Mali and Rosatom will be crucial to the realization of these projects. Both parties agreed to maintain close contact and coordinate their positions as work progresses. This demonstrates a shared determination to make rapid progress on these energy initiatives.
In summary, the agreements between Mali and Rosatom mark a significant step forward for the country’s energy development. They pave the way for major technological innovations, while posing challenges in terms of security and geopolitical dependence. The future of this partnership will depend on the ability of both parties to work together effectively and overcome potential obstacles.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.