Kenya is gearing up to make a significant leap into the nuclear energy arena, with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) announcing plans to commence construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant by 2027. This move comes amid a growing trend among African nations, as they wrestle with escalating electricity demands and seek to diversify their energy portfolios. The anticipated facility is projected to start generating power by 2034, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s energy landscape.
The urgency for nuclear power in Kenya is underscored by projections from the Ministry of Energy, which foresees a staggering 20-fold increase in power demand by mid-century due to rapid industrialization. Currently, Kenya boasts a commendable track record, generating about 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar. However, as the nation’s energy appetite grows, officials are eyeing nuclear energy as a crucial component of a sustainable energy strategy.
Two coastal sites are under consideration for the proposed 1,000-MW nuclear facility, with Kilifi County emerging as a frontrunner. This picturesque region, celebrated for its beaches and mangrove forests, is also a top tourist destination, raising questions about balancing energy development with environmental and social impacts. Winnie Ndubai, NuPEA’s director of strategy and planning, emphasized the importance of establishing a robust regulatory framework before moving forward, a step that remains crucial as the project progresses.
In the broader African context, Kenya is not alone in its nuclear aspirations. Rwanda has recently signed an agreement with Canada’s Dual Fluid Energy to explore innovative reactor technology that promises to minimize radioactive waste. Uganda is eyeing an ambitious 8.4 GW nuclear power station, and Egypt is set to welcome the first of four reactors at the El Dabaa power station by 2026, courtesy of Russia’s Rosatom. South Africa’s Koeberg plant remains the continent’s sole operational nuclear facility, underscoring the nascent state of nuclear energy in Africa.
Yet, the path forward for Kenya’s nuclear ambitions is not without contention. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and the Kenya Anti-Nuclear Alliance, are vocal in their opposition, arguing that investments should prioritize renewable energy sources that are cleaner and safer. They contend that the risks associated with nuclear energy, particularly in a developing nation, could jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
Kenya’s commitment to nuclear energy is further highlighted by its participation in the “Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy,” made at the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan. This pledge aims to boost global nuclear power capacity by 300% by 2050, aligning Kenya with other African nations like Ghana and Morocco in the quest for a more diversified energy mix.
As the clock ticks toward 2027, the stakes are high. Will Kenya successfully navigate the complexities of nuclear energy development while addressing environmental concerns and ensuring energy equity for its citizens? The decisions made in the coming years will not only shape the country’s energy future but could also set a precedent for nuclear power development across the continent, potentially altering the narrative around energy generation in Africa.