Cidade da Praia, Cape Verde, 7 Aug – The government of Cape Verde is seeking advice from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over the possible use of Russian-build micronuclear power plants in the archipelago, media reported.

Economy Minister José Brito told the A Semana weekly newspaper that negotiations have been taking place with Russian company Rosenergoatom on the installation of floating nuclear plants and Praia has requested the IAEA’s opinion on the matter.

Representatives from the Russian energy company visited Cape Verde in June to give a presentation to the islands’ government on their nuclear power generators.

Brito said Cape Verde would only proceed with the nuclear power program if the system is considered “safe” and good for the country, adding : “From a financial point of view there is no doubt that the proposal is attractive.”

Due to Cape Verde’s dependence on imported oil, nuclear energy could be “the solution for the future,” the minister added.

Rosenergoatom has proposed the use of a small floating nuclear plant to supply power to the islands’ elasticity grid and water for the islands of Santiago and Maio. (macauhub)