popular articles

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

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The revival of nuclear energy in France generates a constant demand for 10,000 recruits, reflecting the sector's growing attractiveness. A closer look at the challenges of a transforming industry and its inclusive strategies.
Faced with the loss of control over its Somaïr subsidiary and growing tensions with Niger, Orano initiates a second arbitration process to defend its interests in a strategic market.
Faced with the loss of control over its Somaïr subsidiary and growing tensions with Niger, Orano initiates a second arbitration process to defend its interests in a strategic market.
American Electric Power is pursuing funding to explore the installation of small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia. An initiative with significant economic and political implications.
American Electric Power is pursuing funding to explore the installation of small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia. An initiative with significant economic and political implications.
The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency
The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency
In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.
In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.
Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.
Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
The KRONOS MMR™, a modular nuclear reactor developed by NANO Nuclear, achieves regulatory progress and targets key industrial applications, including hydrogen and artificial intelligence.
The KRONOS MMR™, a modular nuclear reactor developed by NANO Nuclear, achieves regulatory progress and targets key industrial applications, including hydrogen and artificial intelligence.
The British government refutes Financial Times claims about the doubling of costs for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project led by EDF in eastern England.
The British government refutes Financial Times claims about the doubling of costs for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project led by EDF in eastern England.
Following the termination of its agreement with Anfield Energy, IsoEnergy redirects its efforts toward optimizing its uranium assets in North America and Australia amidst a changing market landscape.
Following the termination of its agreement with Anfield Energy, IsoEnergy redirects its efforts toward optimizing its uranium assets in North America and Australia amidst a changing market landscape.
The Court of Audit highlights significant uncertainties surrounding the EPR2 program, revealing persistent financial and technical risks. A critical report calls for resolving these issues before proceeding with new investments.
Doosan Enerbility and the International Nuclear Non-proliferation Center join forces to boost exports and develop modular reactors, addressing growing energy demands.
Doosan Enerbility and the International Nuclear Non-proliferation Center join forces to boost exports and develop modular reactors, addressing growing energy demands.
The new Czech energy plan projects a rise to 68% nuclear electricity by 2040, alongside a boost in renewables to meet the European Union's climate targets.
The new Czech energy plan projects a rise to 68% nuclear electricity by 2040, alongside a boost in renewables to meet the European Union's climate targets.
The United States announces the lifting of 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, marking a key step in their strategic cooperation and creating opportunities for the civil energy sector.
The United States announces the lifting of 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, marking a key step in their strategic cooperation and creating opportunities for the civil energy sector.
EDF steps up its efforts with the Nuward SMR, a 400 MW reactor designed to meet the strategic energy needs of industries and public utilities in Europe.
Novatron Fusion Group and Oxford Sigma partner to accelerate the development of fusion power plants in Sweden, combining innovative technologies and advanced materials for reliable industrial solutions.
Novatron Fusion Group and Oxford Sigma partner to accelerate the development of fusion power plants in Sweden, combining innovative technologies and advanced materials for reliable industrial solutions.
Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
The Koeberg nuclear power plant, operated by Eskom in South Africa, resumes activity with Unit 2, adding 930 MW to the national grid after a prolonged strategic maintenance program.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) restructures the French nuclear sector by integrating 2,000 employees. This reform, at the heart of political and economic challenges, raises questions about governance and transparency.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) restructures the French nuclear sector by integrating 2,000 employees. This reform, at the heart of political and economic challenges, raises questions about governance and transparency.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.

Advertising