KEY POINTS
- Nuclear power offers a stable energy source to address Africa’s energy shortfall, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity.
- Low-carbon nuclear energy can help African nations meet Paris Agreement targets while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting climate action goals.
- High costs, waste management challenges, and safety concerns highlight the complexities of adopting nuclear energy across African nations.
Africa’s burgeoning energy demand has reignited debates on the viability of nuclear power as a solution to the continent’s energy challenges.
Nuclear power generation is a process that harnesses the energy released from the splitting of atomic nuclei (fission) to generate electricity (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 2022)
As several countries face challenges in delivering dependable electricity and tackling climate change, nuclear energy emerges as a possible answer.
In light of the current global energy crisis, it provides approximately 413 gigawatts (GW) of capacity functioning in 32 nations across the globe (IEA, 2022).
This aids in achieving both objectives by preventing 1.5 gigatonnes (Gt) of worldwide emissions and 180 billion cubic metres (bcm) of annual global gas demand (IEA, 2022).
Nevertheless, Africa is at the crossroads of technology controversies. Some consider it a sustainable and low-carbon energy source, while others express worries regarding safety, waste disposal, and economic viability.
The case for nuclear power in Africa:
Addressing energy deficits
Africa faces a considerable energy shortfall, as more than 600 million individuals do not have electricity access, based on findings from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Nuclear energy has the potential to deliver a consistent and extensive energy supply, decreasing dependence on intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind (Nuclear Power and Energy Security, 2024).
Nations such as South Africa are equipped with the functioning Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
South Africa has two nuclear reactors generating 5 percent of its electricity. This showcases nuclear energy’s capability to assist national power systems.
Energy sources with low carbon emissions
Amid global climate change, nuclear energy presents a low-carbon option to fossil fuels (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 2022).
In contrast to coal or natural gas, nuclear facilities generate very few greenhouse gas emissions while in operation.
Thus, it can assist African nations to fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement, incorporating nuclear energy might be a practical approach to decarbonizing their energy sectors.
Economic development and employment generation
The establishment of nuclear infrastructure can stimulate economic growth by generating employment in construction, operation, and maintenance.
Moreover, creating local supply chains for nuclear parts can enhance industrial growth. For instance, South Africa’s nuclear initiative has stimulated investments in vocational training and skill enhancement.
Energy protection
Nuclear energy offers a consistent and dependable power supply, in contrast to renewable sources that rely on climatic factors (IAEA, 2023).
This dependability is essential for industrial operations and urban areas, guaranteeing a constant power supply and minimizing the chances of blackouts as a well-maintained nuclear facility can operate for up to 60 years (World Nuclear Association, 2023).
Challenges and controversies
High initial costs
Constructing nuclear power facilities demands significant financial investment. According to the World Economic Forum, global annual nuclear energy spending averaged $50 billion in (2017-2023) but must rise to $125 billion by 2030 and $150 billion yearly by 2050.
The expenses linked to building, safety protocols, and adherence to regulations can be overwhelming for numerous African countries.
One nuclear reactor may cost billions for instance, Britain’s major nuclear plant, cost over $59 billion.
This further burdens public funds and raises national debt as most African countries grapple with excessive debt.
Safety issues
Nuclear incidents, while infrequent, can result in catastrophic outcomes. Events such as Chernobyl and Fukushima emphasize the possible dangers linked to nuclear power (World Nuclear Association, 2024).
Achieving safety necessitates strong regulatory systems, proficient staff, and continuous oversight—all of which can be difficult to apply in environments with limited resources.
Management of nuclear waste
Dealing with radioactive waste continues to be a major challenge. Nuclear waste requires safe containment for thousands of years to avoid ecological pollution (World Nuclear Association, 2024).
Creating sustainable waste management solutions is expensive and technically challenging, which raises doubts about the viability of nuclear energy in Africa.
Nations lacking current infrastructure or knowledge encounter further challenges in the secure management and disposal of nuclear waste.
Geopolitical and security threats
The spread of nuclear technology presents dangers of being misused for weapon creation (United Nations, 2023).
To guarantee that nuclear programs are solely for civilian purposes, strict international oversight is essential.
Moreover, nuclear plants can be targeted by terrorists, requiring elevated security measures.
The political turmoil in certain African areas amplifies these dangers, complicating the safe and secure administration of nuclear programs.
Ongoing nuclear projects in Africa
South Africa’s nuclear program
South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, the continent’s sole operational nuclear plant, produces over 1,800 MW of electricity annually while contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions.
The nation intends to increase its nuclear capability, but financial limitations and public resistance have hindered advancement.
Egypt’s aspirations in nuclear energy
Egypt is building its inaugural nuclear power facility, the El Dabaa, in partnership with Russia’s Rosatom costing $25 billion (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 2023).
The El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is projected to possess a capacity of 4,800 MW and is intended to meet the increasing energy demands of the nation.
Kenya’s nuclear plan
Kenya has proposed a strategy to establish nuclear energy by 2030 in alignment with its Vision 2030 development framework.
The Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board is leading initiatives to enhance capacity and develop the essential infrastructure.
Pathways to sustainable nuclear energy in Africa
- African countries need to create strong regulatory systems to guarantee nuclear safety while organizations such as the IAEA can aid in creating and implementing standards.
- Governments ought to emphasize STEM education, vocational training and collaborations with international organizations to lessen reliance on foreign specialists.
- Innovative waste management techniques, like deep geological storage and recycling used fuel, need to be explored to reduce environmental hazards.
- Governments should involve citizens by launching awareness initiatives and open decision-making practices to foster trust and correct misunderstandings about nuclear energy.
