Kenya has announced plans to build a nuclear power plant at Kilifi on the coast with construction beginning in 2027 and the plant expected to be commissioned in 2034. South Africa is the only African country generating power from nuclear sources. Egypt and Ghana also have plans to build nuclear plants.
“The realization of the nuclear dream will place Kenya among the pioneers in Africa in generation of this kind of energy,” Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, wrote for Business Daily. “The project presents Kenya with a rare opportunity to not only meet its electricity needs, but also to export surplus to the neighbouring countries, hence generating additional revenue.”
The initial capacity of the plant is projected at 1,000 megawatts, or enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
Kenya has become a leader in low-carbon, renewable energy use with geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar sources accounting for 85% to 90% of its energy production. With rapidly expanding demand, the country is looking for new low-emission energy sources.
“In the current circumstances, nuclear energy is emerging as a compelling solution to power needs as it offers a clean, reliable and low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels,” Soipan Tuya, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and forestry, said in 2023. “In Kenya, by 2040, the demand for electricity will exhaust current generation capacity, making a powerful case for urgent adoption of nuclear power.”
To support this effort, Kenya is hosting the second U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit. The summit is designed to support an exchange of ideas between African and U.S. experts on topics including training the nuclear workforce, safety measures and financing of plant construction. Speakers include the head of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and a representative from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“This forum presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to articulate its vision for nuclear power and forge stronger ties with our American counterparts,” Wabuyabo said.