July 10 (Bloomberg) -- Japan is studying building 12 atomic reactors in South Africa as part of a plan to cut greenhouse emission and offer assistance to African nations, Kyodo News reported, citing unidentified government sources.

The combined investment, including Japanese yen loans to South Africa, is expected to be up to 5 trillion yen ($46.8 billion), Kyodo reported.

The proposal needs to be decided by South Africa's government, the country's environment minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk was quoted as saying when asked about the project at the G-8 Toyako summit in Japan, Kyodo reported.

The Japanese government intends to start a program to train local engineers to operate the plants, Kyodo said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Finbarr Flynn in Tokyo at fflynn3@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: July 9, 2008 20:16 EDT