Nuclear power has positive aspects but it is wrong for Kenya.
Nuclear power is good because it emits no greenhouse gases although nuclear waste is deadly for the 1,000 years it takes to decay. For that reason, famous environmentalists like the late James Lovelock believe that nuclear power is part of the solution to the threat of climate change.
However nuclear power is immensely expensive. The nuclear power station proposed for Kilifi will cost as much as the SGR to build. On top of that, the nuclear waste has to be stored safely for 1,000 years at a high cost.
There is also the risk of flooding in Kilifi as oceans are predicted to rise as the ice caps melt due to global warming. A Fukushima disaster is a real possibility in Kilifi.
Yet it is cheaper per KwH to use geothermal, solar or hydropower. Kenya still has untapped resources for green energy. So why pay more for nuclear energy? It doesn't make sense.
Kenya should only turn to nuclear when the options for geothermal, solar and hydro are exhausted. Plans for the Kilifi nuclear power station should be postponed.
Quote of the day: "Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form."
Rumi
The Persian mystic was born on September 30, 1207
