Kenya is considering establishing its first nuclear power plant by 2034, The Star of Kenya has reported, citing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
According to Mudavadi, a research reactor will also be commissioned by the early 2030s.
He said the initiative will start in 2027 and aims to increase energy capacity, reduce Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as create significant job opportunities to boost economic growth.
“Kenya is committed to leading in clean energy and advancing nuclear technology as part of sustainable energy strategy,” Mudavadi said during a meeting with the Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), William D. Magwood IV.
During the meeting, the PCS and Magwood’s discussion focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of Kenya’s sustainable energy strategy, which aligns with NEA’s leadership goals to integrate atomic energy into our clean energy mix.
Key areas include deploying Small Modular Reactor technology, enhancing research, and building institutional sustainability.
Mudavadi said the government is keen to strengthen its partnership with NEA for Kenya’s long-term energy and development goals.
“As we move forward, this collaboration will play a vital role in the successful implementation of our nuclear energy programme, contributing to the nation’s prosperity and sustainability.”
Interest in nuclear power development is growing in Africa, with Ghana, Uganda, Guinea and Nigeria currently in the advanced stages of developing the first nuclear power plant in some years to come.
Egypt, in partnership with Rosatom, is currently constructing a nuclear power plant at El Dabaa with a total capacity of 4.8 Gigawatts at the cost of US$30 billion.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com