African Nuclear - Part 3

The Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa is also seen to have agreements in place with Russian companies in regards to plant management and waste control – the key component of the agreement is the construction of a 9.6GW reactor (WNA 2015) – this therefore highlights the point made in the “future” post and how partnerships on an international scale would appear to be the present and future of the nuclear expansion potential. This will look to develop from the current presence of 2 reactors in the country, providing 5% of the nation’s supply (WNA 2015). It is hoped to increase this to 13.4% by 2030, making it the 2^nd largest national producer, behind coal (WNA 2015). Coal remaining dominant may undermine the climatic benefits – yet an increase in nuclear must surely be recognised as a step in the right direction!

Current South African nuclear potential (WNA 2015).

Nigeria is the most populated nation in Africa and therefore requires vast energy supplies – yet as a net exporter of oil certain limitations are in place and the energy produced is not sufficient (CIGI 2010) for the 177.5 million population (World Bank 2014). Existing energy is weak, with the national grid having one of the largest disruption and loss rates in the world and the three hydroelectric plants suffering from inconsistent water resources, leakage and maintenance issues (CIGI 2010). The insufficient water supply is tied to climatic change and the increasing reductions in effective moisture – a process that has been replicated throughout the epoch (as seen in my upcoming dissertation)! Therefore with accessible imported uranium (perhaps from the large stores in neighboring Niger), Nigeria could use nuclear to improve the self-sufficiency of the energy supply and reduce the reliance upon both fossil fuels and the scarce water resources. This process will be aided by the support of such groups as the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission – that looks to drive the ability for national exploitation of atomic energy, by training personnel and partnering with the private sector to streamline investment and funding for construction (NAEC 2007).

NAEC Logo (NAEC 2007).

Nuclear is expanding, even within the most impoverished region of the world, Sub-Saharan Africa, there is strong development and interest. International partnerships are driving this growth, with the support from China for example spreading into Latin America and Africa with the promise of cheap equipment and exponential levels of funding. The nuclear future is arguably already in action…