Africa: nuclear for Africa

PEP Forum Uganda

Nuclear for Africa by: President Yoweru Kaguta Museveni : Why nuclear energy should be part of Africa’s energy mix ?

Africa has the least nuclear power of any continent in the world. All the largest economies in the world have nuclear power as part of their energy mix.

There are three reasons why African countries should pursue the nuclear power option as part of their energy mix. The first is the continent’s dire energy crisis. Secondly, Africa derives most of its energy from fossil fuels. These are finite and nonrenewable and dwindling in supply. Thirdly, nuclear energy can help countries meet targets under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions. Nuclear can help them reach that goal because carbon emissions linked to nuclear-powered energy are relatively small. In addition, supply is reliable and prices stable and predictable.

Energy supply on the continent is critically low. There are also the challenges of lack of access, poor reliability and high costs. A rising population, growing middle class and growing urbanisation would mean more energy is needed for domestic and industrial purposes.

Energy is also critical to the socioeconomic well-being of the majority of poor Africans and Africa’s agenda for sustainable development. Nuclear energy has the potential to mitigate these burdens by contributing to the continent’s energy mix.