A climate action lobby group has called on Greenpeace, a global environment campaigning network, to rethink its opposition to carbon-free nuclear power.
In February this year, Greenpeace dragged the European Commission to the European Court of Justice over the inclusion of nuclear energy in the EU’s list of sustainable investments.
Greenpeace requested a formal review in September of the Commission's decision, arguing the European Union had violated its climate laws by labelling some gas and nuclear energy investments as green.
However, the lobby group said the move will hurt African countries some of whom are now actively seeking partnerships to set up nuclear plants of their own.
In an open letter addressed to Greenpeace, RePlanet Africa questioned the organisation’s stance against nuclear power, which emits minimal carbon dioxide during operation.
“In so doing, you unwittingly obstruct Africa’s effective transition from fossil fuels and alleviation of the strain on the forests powering most kitchens on the continent through charcoal and wood,” RePlanet Africa director Patricia Nanteza.
The letter was also signed by the Eastern African Radiation Association and the Kenyan Young Generation in Nuclear.
The three organisations called on Greenpeace to drop its opposition to nuclear energy, emphasising its potential to bridge the energy deficit on the continent and to empower African nations to achieve a prosperous future.
“Despite Africa’s abundant natural resources, including extensive uranium reserves, approximately 600 million Africans still lack access to reliable energy sources, resulting in inordinate reliance on wood fuel that is straining our forest cover and exacerbating climate change,” the two-page letter reads.
While noting Greenpeace’s initial reservations on nuclear safety and waste management, the Open Letter challenged Greenpeace to recognise the significant technological advancements made in the nuclear industry.
“The nuclear industry has made notable strides in waste reduction and efficient disposal methods. Advances in reprocessing technologies and the creation of advanced reactors offer effective long-term solutions to nuclear waste concerns,” Nanteza said.
While acknowledging Africa’s renewable energy potential, RePlanet highlights its insufficiency to meet current and projected energy demands, as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are often constrained by geography and weather conditions.
“Nuclear energy, with its consistent and base-load supply, could complement these renewable sources, stabilizing the grid and ensuring energy security for African communities.”
The organisations encouraged Greenpeace to engage with African nations in developing nuclear energy programmes, in part, to ensure the implementation of stringent waste management and disposal protocols from the outset.
They implored Greenpeace to reconsider its opposition to nuclear energy, emphasising that the arguments against it are not grounded in evidence and scientific truth.
RePlanet Africa is a leading renewable energy organisation committed to promoting sustainable energy solutions across the African continent.
Through innovative initiatives, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilisation, RePlanet Africa aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, improve electricity access, and contribute to the preservation of African forests.
