Russian news agency TASS announced on October 12 that Russia has approved a cooperation agreement between Rabat and Moscow to build a nuclear power plant in Morocco.
The corresponding order, signed by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, was published Wednesday, representing ratification of an agreement signed back in 2017, presented by the Russian state company Rosatom.
The agreement provides for cooperation between the two countries in at least 14 areas. Russia will assist Morocco in the creation and improvement of nuclear energy infrastructures, the design, and construction of nuclear reactors as well as water desalination plants and elementary particle gas pedals.
Per the bilateral agreement, Russia will also provide its services and expertise in treating the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management.
The agreement calls for Russia to assist Morocco in the exploration and development of uranium deposits and the study of the country’s mineral resource base, the training of nuclear power plant personnel, and the training of the personnel of Morocco’s state agency responsible for nuclear regulation and safety.
The referenced body is already established in Morocco as the National Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR).
5 years in the making
Back in 2017, then Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev had visited Morocco, in order to preside over the signing of 11 cooperation agreements between Morocco and Russia.
Among these agreements was the memorandum of understanding between the CNESTEN and state company Rosatom, relating to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, nearly a year after King Mohammed VI’s visit to Russia, where he was received by President Vladimir Putin.
Moroccan nuclear ambitions
The development of nuclear energy and technology in Morocco has been a priority for some time now, as the Kingdom attempts to diversify its energy sources, to ensure the immunity of supply from international fluctuations.
Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali had announced that the Kingdom was considering the construction of nuclear reactors for energy production, part of the national strategy to increase reliance on renewable energy sources.
While the legislative branch awaits a ministerial report on this project, Israel has also been secured as a cooperation partner for Morocco’s nuclear ambitions.
Morocco has been operating an experimental reactor in the North-West region for many years now, but is heavily reliant on foreign expertise and experience in the field.
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