Johannesburg - China and South Africa laid the foundation on Friday for possible use of Chinese nuclear technology in this country.
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson and her Chinese counterpart Wu Xinxiong signed an inter-governmental framework on nuclear co-operation, the energy department said in a statement.
"The agreement initiates the preparatory phase for a possible utilisation of Chinese nuclear technology in South Africa," the department said.
This was part of the government's efforts, outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan 2010-2030, to expand nuclear power generation by an additional 9.6GW.
The project would build on existing bilateral co-operation between the two nations, especially in the field of nuclear energy.
"We will be looking for significant localisation that can contribute to broad industrialisation and the development of a thriving knowledge economy in South Africa", Joemat-Pettersson said.
She said the nuclear new build programme would create jobs, develop skills, and revitalise the country's nuclear industry.