Kenya plans to utilize nuclear power for electricity generation by 2034 in order to meet its decarbonisation targets, improve stability and reliability of supply as well as lowering the cost. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira says nuclear energy would provide a suitable baseload alongside geothermal to help spur Kenya’s economic development.
“Nuclear energy is an indispensable tool for achieving the global sustainable development agenda. It has stood as a beacon of promise in this regard, offering clean, reliable, and continuous energy generation,” said PS Wachira.
Delegates drawn from seventeen countries will be in Mombasa for two weeks for the Interregional Training Course on Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development. The delegates are drawn from Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, Turkey, Jordan Poland and Kenya.
“The convergence of such a rich mix of countries provides an excellent platform for benchmarking, exchanging experiences and shared learning of the concepts, trends, challenges and opportunities in the field of nuclear energy,” PS Wachira added.
The training programme has been organised collaboratively by the International Atomic Energy Agency and The United States government. It is being hosted by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).
“We are eager to learn from the experiences of others in developing nuclear power as we move forward with Kenya’s programme,” NuPEA Chairman Ezra Odhiambo said. Dr. Mike Goff who is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy affirmed that his country his keen to collaborate with emerging nations in nuclear power development. Dr. John Haddad from the International Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section stated that international networking and sharing of experiences was important for the success of nuclear power endeavours around the globe.
NuPEA’s Director for Strategy and Planning Dr. Winfred Ndubai laid out the steps Kenya has taken in developing its nuclear power programme, including identification of two potential sites located in Kilifi and Kwale counties, training of Kenyans in nuclear related fields, technical studies, stakeholder engagement, as well as independent assessment of the progress by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Various aspects which are essential for developing a nuclear power programme will be covered during the two-week meeting which runs through 8 September 2023.