A memorandum of understanding has been signed between South African pebble bed nuclear technology developers and their Chinese counterpart. The agreement will enable PBMR Pty and Chinergy to share technical information on the development and construction of high temperature reactor demonstration projects in both South Africa and China by 2010.
PBMR chief executive Jaco Kriek said having the two plants in the same timeframe would bring technical understanding for follow-on applications that could help enhance the future of the technology.
Despite the technology alliance there are significant differences between the reactors, with the Chinese system initially using indirect-cycle steam turbines, while the high temperature reactor plants in South Africa will be direct cycle gas turbine systems.
