SOUTH Africa’s minister of Energy and Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will unveil details of a new 2,500 MW nuclear power plant by August 2024, which means that skills and safety standards around South Africa’s nuclear industry are more important than ever, says the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW).
In line with this, the SAIW is powering ahead with its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Nuclear Energy Council of South Africa (Necsa). Facilitated by the Department of Energy, this initiative is in the process of establishing a Nuclear School of Excellence, within the Necsa Learning Academy, and introducing advanced training techniques to bolster the continent’s nuclear sector.
The School of Excellence is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025 and will offer a range of specialised courses focusing on welding and non-destructive testing within the nuclear sector, nuclear safety, precision measurement, and consultancy services.
SAIW personnel qualification certification manager Harold Jansen explains, “Precision in the nuclear field is a non-negotiable and accuracy down to microns is crucial for safety and operational efficiency since minor inaccuracies can lead to significant issues. Our goal is to ensure that professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to maintain the highest safety standards.”
Advanced techniques
Necsa Learning Academy manager Clive Mokoena emphasises the strategic importance of the School of Excellence, as it will ensure a continuous supply and development of the needed nuclear skills for the 2.5 GW nuclear power plant and the multipurpose research reactor being planned for South Africa.
One of the key training techniques to be introduced is Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), an ultrasonic method that provides exceptional accuracy for inspecting plate and pipe welds. This technique, along with phased array training, will be formally introduced in South Africa, with Level 1 and 2 courses led by industry specialists such as Colin Bird, Ray Turner and Neil Harrap.
“We are committed to making these advanced training techniques accessible and the IAEA-sponsored national project, allows these courses to be presented at no cost to the students (apart from logistical expenses related to travel and accommodation). Since space is limited, only the ten best applicants will be accommodated during 2024 for either the Level 1 UT PA and / or ToFD or the Level 2 UT PA and / or ToFD courses,” explains Jansen.
This collaboration between Necsa and SAIW will also target female participants holding UT Level 1 or Level 2 ISO 9712 certification in ultrasonic testing with the opportunity for unsuccessful applicants to consider a second intake scheduled for 2025.
Continental shift
This style of collaborative effort also extends beyond South Africa. As the regional designated centre for the IAEA in Anglophone Africa, the SAIW is spreading nuclear expertise across the continent. Training programs have already been implemented in Kenya, Cameroon, and Sudan, with plans to establish at least one training and examination centre in all 54 African countries. These centres will be recognised internationally, ensuring that the training meets global standards.
“Our strategy respects the patriotic nature of individual countries while supporting their development,” explained the spokesperson. “We aim to enhance nuclear infrastructure across Africa, providing training that is both locally relevant and globally recognised,” says Jansen.
The initiative also emphasises the safe use of radioactive sources and radiation, ensuring that infrastructure across various industries is secure. This comprehensive approach addresses safety in the nuclear sector and its application in other fields such as offshore petrochemical and oil industries.
To ensure the sustainability of the training programs, the initiative includes training for facilitators who will continue to educate future professionals beyond the project’s initial two-year span. This ‘train-the-trainer’ model aims to create a self-sustaining educational infrastructure that can adapt to the evolving needs of the nuclear sector.
Overall, this collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in enhancing the nuclear capabilities of Africa. By prioritising safety, precision, and inclusivity, the initiative aims to create a robust and sustainable nuclear sector that meets international standards and addresses local needs.
