The research and development partnership between PBMR and UP will contribute substantially towards achieving the goals of Generator IV nuclear reactor systems. Always at the forefront of cutting edge scientific research, the University of Pretoria is participating in developing clean, safe and economical modern nuclear technologies.

Commenting on the agreement, Prof Calie Pistorius, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, said: “UP has a sought-after skills and knowledge base in the field of nuclear science and engineering, and it is for this reason that PBMR has awarded a significant research contract to the University to conduct research into aspects of the development of the Pebble Bed technologies. We are pleased to participate in this cutting edge work and to contribute also to the development of the high level skills base we so sorely need.”

Industry–Academia co-operation is considered to be best practice internationally in technology management and has a proven track record both internationally and at the University of Pretoria. PBMR and UP believe that their joint investigations into crucial topics such as the safe and effective management of existing nuclear waste, fuel improvement, extensive carbon research, molecular modelling and computer clustering will not only advance the work on the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, but will have application elsewhere in the high technology industries and grow knowledge and skills to further the economy of South Africa, the continent and the globe.