Page 12 - AfrElec Week 11 2023

AfrElec NUCLEAR AfrElec

Koeberg nuclear power
plant near Cape Town,
South Africa

Africa’s nuclear ambitions to be set at

AFNBP conference in Uganda

AFRICA UGANDA is set to host a conference that is drafting nuclear laws and regulations, establish-
expected to take stock of Africa’s ambitions to ing dedicated nuclear organizations and devel-
include nuclear energy into the power genera- oping strategic cooperation with key global
tion mix. nuclear nations such as the US, South Korea,
The Africa Nuclear Business Platform 2023 China, France and Russia.
(AFNBP 2023) summit comes at a time when AFNBP 2023 will thus bring together over
consensus around the continent abounds that 300 stakeholders pursuing nuclear energy imple-
small, modular reactors could be a viable solu- mentation to understand and discuss energy
tion to meet growing energy needs. developments in the continent and explore areas
Studies have shown that energy demand in of strategic collaborations to move the nuclear
Africa is projected to grow by 80% by 2040, or agenda forward. The involvement
3.5% per year, faster than the global average of “For a successful nuclear power program,
1.3%. Currently, fossil fuels and hydropower international support is very vital. The involve- of global
dominate the continent’s energy generation mix ment of global multinational bodies in African
with renewable sources like geothermal, solar countries’ nuclear power program development multinational
and wind contributing a paltry 1.6%. will be crucial given their extensive experience
Seven sub-Saharan African countries have and knowledge,” said Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda bodies in African
committed to having nuclear energy as part of Minister of Energy. countries’
their energy mix between 2030 to 2037: Ghana, Uganda is already implementing plans to put
Nigeria, Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and up a nuclear plant that is expected to generate nuclear power
Zambia. 2,000 MW, with the first 1000 MW projected to
South Africa is the only African nation with be connected to the national grid by 2031. programme
an operational (1.8GW) nuclear power plant The East African nation is also in the process
while Egypt has commenced construction on of amending the Atomic Energy Act, 2008, to development will
four 1200 MWe reactors as part of its ambition strengthen the legal regime for nuclear safety, be crucial.
to provide a steady electricity supply. security, safeguards for nuclear material, civil
The African countries pursuing a nuclear nuclear liability and maintaining the nuclear
agenda have developed national positions institutional framework.
on having nuclear energy and are involved in According to IEA, at the end of 2021, 439
engagements with the International Atomic nuclear power reactors were in operation in 32
Energy Agency (IAEA) to assist in their nuclear countries around the world, with a combined
power programmes. capacity of 413 GW. Around 270 GW of that
Ongoing activities include site selections, capacity was in advanced economies.™

P12 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 11 15•March•2023