Uganda To Join Nuclear Power Plant Operators As It Targets 2,000 Megawatts

The Ugandan Government has announced plans to add nuclear power to its electricity generation mix by targeting to generate, at least, 2,000 Megawatts (2 gigawatts) from nuclear power.

The East African nation anticipates constructing the project in two phases, with the first phase of 1,000 megawatts expected to be ready by 2031.

Uganda is rich in uranium, which is fuel for nuclear power plants, and the country hopes to optimise its uranium reserves.

The project will be executed in partnership with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Currently, in Africa, only South Africa operates nuclear power while Egypt started construction of its first El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in November 2022.

Ghana, which is located in West Africa, has also advanced in its nuclear power plan and hopes to announce a vendor country soon.

Addressing journalists last Thursday, Uganda’s Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said studies conducted in the energy sector revealed that electricity generation from hydro, biomass, geothermal and peat potential, if fully
developed, cannot meet Uganda’s ‘Vision 2040’ targets.

She said Uganda is, therefore, making firm steps to integrate nuclear energy into the electricity generation mix to ensure energy security and provide sufficient electricity for industrialisation.

According to her, the first nuclear facility, Buyende Nuclear Power Plant, is expected to be constructed roughly 150 kilometres (93 miles) North of Kampala.

“Preparation to evaluate the Buyende Nuclear Power Plant site is ongoing to pave the way for the first nuclear power project expected to generate 2,000MW, with the first 1,000MW to be connected to the national grid by 2031,” Ruth Nankabirwa stated.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com