Africa has been called upon to increasingly consider nuclear energy as a key contributor to the mix of its energy sources as its long-term benefits of nuclear energy far outweigh those of renewable energy.
Speaking during the just concluded East Africa Power Industry Convention (EAPIC) in Nairobi, Viktor Polikarpov, ROSATOM’s Regional Vice President of sub-Saharan Africa stated, ‘In order to combat the current energy challenge faced by East Africa and the rest of the continent, Africa needs affordable and clean baseload power. Countries that go nuclear are assured of security of supply, reduced greenhouse emissions and are able to develop a highly skilled workforce.”
He pointed out that Africa is more than ready to develop new technologies. A comprehensive mix of energy will provide Africa with the energy it needs to reach its highest economic potential. So far, 9 African countries have the potential to produce nuclear energy.
“If you look at the long term cost of nuclear production in comparison to the other energy sources, you will establish that nuclear energy is not only sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly but is also significantly cheaper in the long run,” he added.
In May 2016, ROSATOM and the Kenyan Council for Nuclear Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding and cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. Among the immediate tasks, Russia and Kenya agreed to conduct consultations on the issues of possible development and signing of an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
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The MoU also seeks to create a basis for cooperation of the two countries in the domain of nuclear energy in a wide area of issues, including: assistance in development of Kenyan nuclear energy infrastructure; fundamental and applied research; design, construction and operation of nuclear energy and research reactors; production and use of radio isotopes in the industry, medicine, and agriculture; handling of radioactive waste; training and preparation of specialists in the field of nuclear physics and nuclear energy.
“Nuclear is undoubtedly becoming a global trend. Nuclear power is reliable, environmentally friendly and an affordable source of base load power. It can create a platform for continued investment into much needed infrastructure of the country. This is nuclear technology that made possible the application of nuclear medicine to cure various serious diseases, first of all oncological diseases and heart diseases. With the help of radiation technologies, mankind can improve crop yield and successfully address the challenges related to drinking water. As a result the quality of citizens’ life can be significantly improved.” Mr. Polikarpov concluded.