- Two possible sites to host project have been identified in Kilifi and Kwale.
- Being a national security project, Kenya does not intend to entrust it to a foreigner even though the technology is borrowed.
Image: NuPEA/X
The US-Africa Energy Summit (USANES) enters its second day today with participants set to discuss nuclear financing.
The session provides an overview of the commitments and obligations associated with nuclear energy program development and available financing tools and strategies.
The four-day summit brings together officials, policymakers, technical experts and industry leaders from the US and Africa's nuclear energy sector.
For a long time, Kenya has depended on energy generated through fossil fuels and plans to retire it in 2032.
Kenya and the United States agreed Tuesday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the safe and secure use of nuclear technology.
The MoU will facilitate the exchange of expertise in policy, research, innovation, and regulation of nuclear applications in various sectors such as energy, health and agriculture.
The announcement was made following a meeting between senior officials of the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) and a delegation from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC).
It will be signed at the upcoming General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna next month.
Kenya’s roadmap
Kenya plans to construct its first nuclear power in 2027 at an estimated cost of Sh500 billion under public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Two possible sites to host the project have been identified in Kilifi and Kwale.
Construction will take about five years and it is expected to be complete by 2032/2034.
Before settling on the site, the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) conducted extensive technical and feasibility studies were conducted on the sites.
NuPEA boss Justus Wabuyabo said they expect to conclude the invitation of bids for the construction of the plant in June 2026.
Kenya’s road to nuclear energy began in 2020 when a policy decision was made to include nuclear as a technology option in our national energy policy.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gave approval in 2021 for Kenya to set up the infrastructure for the envisaged facility.
IAEA has set out a ‘Milestone Approach’ which countries intending to construct the project must adhere to.
Kenya is currently on Milestone 2, where preparatory works are being undertaken for the construction of the first power plant
Kenya structured the implementation of the project in three phases where in 2020, considerations before the decision to launch the nuclear power programme was undertaken.
Phase two, which began in 2021 and is set to run until 2026, involves preparatory work for the contracting and construction of the nuclear plant after a policy decision has been taken.
Other key activities to be undertaken during this phase include acceding to the Nuclear Safety Conventions under the auspices of the IAEA, acquisition of land at the identified sites and detailed site characterisation on the acquired land.
The agency will also have to ensure there is human resource development for engineers, scientists and technicians to construct commission and operate the nuclear power plant.
Further environmental Impact Assessments at both sites identified will be thoroughly conducted with Kenya set to designate or establish the owner or operator for the nuclear plant.
Image: NuPEA/X
Being a national security project, Kenya does not intend to entrust it to a foreigner even though the technology is borrowed.
Additionally, the government is set to enhance the National Nuclear Regulatory Framework to make it an effective and independent authority.
Phase three which is between 2027-20232, is the final stage in which the country is expected to construct and commission the first plant.
Opportunities
The realization of the project is set to place Kenya among the pioneers in Africa in the generation of nuclear energy.
It will present Kenya with a rare opportunity not only to meet its electricity needs but also to export surplus to the neighbouring countries, hence generating additional revenue.
Nuclear energy is key to efforts aimed at transitioning to clean energy and combating climate change.
During construction, the nuclear power plant project will create up to 7,000 jobs and up to 700 long-term, permanent jobs to operate and maintain the plant from 2032.
Nuclear safety
Kenya is committed to implementing the project while adhering to the highest international standards.
Some of the key steps undertaken so far include training Kenyans in nuclear-related courses both locally and abroad, development of the legal and regulatory framework and stakeholder involvement with a broad range of individuals, institutions and organisations.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi assured participants that Kenya is committed to working with global partners to ensure that the country adheres to the highest standards of safety.
Africa nuclear scene
Many African countries are now integrating nuclear in their strategic energy plans with Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan having engaged the IAEA in talks about the requirement for a nuclear power plant.
South Africa has an operational nuclear power plant, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town, which provides about 1900MW of the country's electricity.
The country is embarking on a plan to expand its nuclear capacity. It seeks to build another power plant with a 2,500MW capacity.
Egypt is actively pursuing nuclear energy and is constructing the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant on the Mediterranean coast.
This project, which will generate 1,200MW, is aimed at diversifying Egypt's energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Ghana is also considering bids for the first nuclear bid.