Despite Threats, Africa to go Nuclear with Russia and China Assistance

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Nuclear Power - Economics, Design, & Industry

Date posted: 10/27/15

Scott Firsing reports that many African countries are in the grip of a nuclear fad. They believe nuclear energy will bring with it an international currency of prestige. Countries with nuclear energy programs are seen as rich and technologically advanced and as a result possess advanced status compared to other developing countries. Nuclear is not new to Africa. It has been active since the 1950s when the Democratic Republic of Congo built Africas first nuclear reactor. But now, more African countries are planning to develop atomic power for energy security. There are 12 nuclear research reactors hosted in eight African countries. South Africa is the only African country with an operational nuclear power plant. But the list of countries seeking nuclear energy is long. Sub-Saharan countries of Ghana, Niger, Uganda and others have expressed interest in building nuclear plants. North African countries Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have similar plans. Why nuclear? African future economic growth is dependent on numerous key factors - political stability, human security, education, and electricity. The good news is that Africa has energy options ranging from the widely criticized coal to the more favorable natural gas, geothermal energy and renewables. Many African countries are taking a diversified approach with nuclear playing a significant role. African regional heavyweights Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead the way on the continent. These countries have developed long-term plans to propel economic growth. Even fossil-fuel-rich countries like Nigeria seek long-term power reliability and stability due to an ever-fluctuating oil price. Many experts are asking if Africa is ready for nuclear energy in the face of mounting ethical, monetary, safety and security concerns. The main concerns include corruption, radiation events like Fukushima, high costs, lack of expertise and waste management.