- The nuclear industry, he pointed out, has attained great milestones in innovation around waste reduction and efficient disposal methods.
- He added that Kenya is also in the process of acceding and ratifying all relevant international treaties and conventions that relate to nuclear safety.
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The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) of Kenya has staunchly defended Kenya’s initiative to establish a nuclear plant amidst growing environmental and cost apprehensions.
While responding to reports in some sections of the media, the agency CEO Justus Wabuyabo said Kenya is committed to implementing its nuclear power program while adhering to the highest international standards.
He said while the concerns being raised are valid, such are being addressed progressively and broadly.
The nuclear industry, he pointed out, has attained great milestones in innovation around waste reduction and efficient disposal methods.
He stated that the strides made in the realm of reprocessing technologies and the development of advanced reactors offer long-term solutions to nuclear waste concerns.
“Some of the key steps undertaken so far include training of Kenyans in nuclear-related courses both locally and abroad, development of the legal and regulatory framework for a nuclear power program, stakeholder involvement with a broad range of individuals, institutions and organizations,” the NuPEA boss said in an interview.
He added that Kenya is also in the process of acceding and ratifying all relevant international treaties and conventions that relate to nuclear safety.
Kenya’s plan to set up a nuclear plant in Kwale and Kilifi has received varied reactions from some observers who have cited several environmental concerns.
But, the Wabubayo says the move to construct the plant follows an approval in 2021 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for Kenya to set up the requisite infrastructure.
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Wabuyabo said the trend in Africa and the world is increased adoption of nuclear energy to meet the rising demand for electricity to power economic growth as well as in catalysing clean energy transition.
“South Africa has an operational nuclear power plant, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town. It provides a significant portion of the country's electricity and has also expressed interest in expanding its nuclear capacity,” he said.
Egypt, he noted, is another African country that is actively pursuing nuclear energy.
“The country (Egypt) is constructing the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant on the Mediterranean coast. This project is aimed at diversifying Egypt's energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” he said, adding that several other African countries have expressed interest in adoption of nuclear technology to address energy challenges and support economic development.
“Many African countries seeking to develop nuclear energy programs have been engaging in partnerships and collaborations with international organisations and countries with nuclear expertise,” Wabuyabo said.
“These partnerships often involve assistance in capacity building, regulatory support, financing, and technology transfer.”
He added that there is a growing interest globally to explore potential sources of reliable and low-carbon electricity generation.
Nuclear energy, he said, is among the priority clean sources and African countries are joining the rest of the world in pursuing this reliable clean energy source.
The CEO explained that the use of nuclear technology goes beyond energy generation and be deployed in transforming key sectors of the economy.
“The technology can be deployed in agriculture to develop crops that are resistant to droughts and common pests and diseases,” Wabuyabo said noting that nuclear technology will also be applied in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
While acknowledging that the proposed nuclear plant is capital-intensive, the NuPEA boss noted that the benefits the country will derive from the project are immense.
“There are also funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships that are instrumental in financing such projects that require heavy capital investment,” he said.