Posted on :Thursday , 29th August 2024

A government minister stated that Kenya intends to construct its first nuclear power plant by 2034 as the nation gets ready to host a nuclear energy summit between the United States and Africa.

According to safety and environmental issues, the facility, which is planned to be built on the Indian Ocean coast, has already sparked opposition from campaigners and locals. In a statement from his office, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that Kenya intended to build the facility by 2034 and activate a research reactor by the early 2030s.

The initiative, according to Mudavadi, aims to lower CO2 emissions, boost Kenya's energy capability, and generate new employment possibilities. "Kenya is dedicated to taking the lead in clean energy." He stated that as part of its sustainable energy plan, Kenya is committed to developing nuclear technology.

According to President William Ruto, Kenya has the capacity to raise that percentage to 100% by 2030. Ruto has established himself as the leader of African efforts to tackle climate change. Currently, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power account for over 90% of the nation's energy production in East Africa.

The second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit, which intends to discuss the continent's preparedness for nuclear power, is being held in Kenya.  South Africa is the only nation in Africa that presently operates two reactors for more than 30 years as part of a civil nuclear program.