Uganda, Korea Sign Site Evaluation Contract For Nuclear Plant In Buyende

The Government of Uganda has taken a major step towards realizing its nuclear power generation plan by signing a site evaluation service contract with the Korean firm, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd (KHNP), for the proposed 8,400 MW Buyende nuclear power plant.

This brings the country closer to its ambitious Vision 2040 energy goal of generating 52,481 MW, of which 24,000 MW is expected to come from nuclear power.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Entebbe, and was presided over by Ugandan Minister for Energy and Minerals Development Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu and the Korean Ambassador to Uganda, Sung-Soo Park.

The contract stipulates that at least 30% of the site evaluation work will be subcontracted to Ugandan companies. Additionally, KHNP will provide capacity-building opportunities by training MEMD staff and local firms, ensuring knowledge transfer and promoting local content.

Speaking at the event, Nankabirwa emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in Uganda’s future energy mix.

“Nuclear is not just an option; it is a necessity,” she declared.

“Since 2016, we’ve been conducting studies and acquiring land, and now we are one step closer to a clean, reliable energy future. We are grateful to KHNP, KEPCO E&C, Dohwa, and all the technical teams for their unwavering support.”

Nankabirwa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation, noting that Uganda is following a robust legal and institutional framework aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.

“Through inter-agency coordination and adherence to international standards, we are building a credible and responsible nuclear power program,” she said.

Currently, the energy ministry is in the process of acquiring 30.1 square kilometers of land in Buyende for the project.

The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) studies are expected to conclude in the coming weeks, paving the way for actual site work.

The site evaluation process is a critical requirement under IAEA Safety Standards. It involves analyzing physical characteristics, environmental risks, seismic activity, groundwater flow, and potential hazards that may affect the safety of the nuclear power facility.

These comprehensive studies will inform the feasibility of the Buyende project by examining technical, social, environmental, and radiological factors.

Once complete, the Buyende Nuclear Power Plant will play a transformative role in Uganda’s energy sector.

It promises to stabilize electricity supply, reduce outages, power industrial growth, and help meet future domestic and regional energy demands.

“Picture a Uganda where factories run smoothly, homes have consistent power, and children study under lights powered by safe, modern nuclear technology. That is the future we are building,” Nankabirwa concluded.

Source:https://energynewsafrica.com