The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has given Kenya’s nuclear power programme a thumbs-up.
The planning for nuclear power began in earnest in 2012, under the stewardship of the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board.
Its review was conducted by the IAEA late last year, and offers the best barometer of the progress to date.
“Kenya should utilise nuclear power for it to become a middle-income country in the future,” said Mikhail Chudakov, the IAEA’s Deputy Director General.
The IAEA report was presented to Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu, on Thursday April 21, 2016.
Kazungu received the report on behalf of Deputy President William Ruto.
“Kenyans do not fear nuclear power, especially since it can have a very positive impact on tariffs. What they fear is safety concerns that can be allayed by public sensitization,” said Kazungu.
The report of the comprehensive assessment, known as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, indicates that the country has made advances, such as conducting a feasibility study which addressed the 19 main issues considered in a nuclear power programme.
The issues range from funding, safety and security, stakeholder and industrial involvement, human resource development, legislative and regulatory framework, electric grid, nuclear power plant site and supporting facilities, radiation protection and radioactive waste, among others.
The report of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review highlights some key areas where Kenya should place emphasis going forward.
These include nurturing a robust regulatory framework, including the establishment of a regulator for nuclear energy.
The IAEA recommends that Kenya complete site selection activities to identify suitable locations for nuclear power plants.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Chief Geologist in the Ministry of Energy & Petroleum John Omenge said: “Let me reiterate the Ministry’s unwavering support and encouragement for the nuclear power programme. To the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, please relay the message of our commitment to implement the recommendations in your report.”
The Ministry of Energy also indicated that it was in discussion with the relevant institutions, including Parliament, to ensure that the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board receives adequate funding.
“This report gives us the impetus to proceed toward the next stages and gives the government a good framework of the actions and issues requiring further development,” added Omenge.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has proposed the use of nuclear energy for power generation and established the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) to undertake preparatory activities towards the development and implementation of the country’s nuclear power programme.
The report also highlights the development of legislation, human and institutional capacity building through training and skills development.
It further points to the need for the development of plans and processes to assist future organizations required in a nuclear power programme.
These include the owner operator (nuclear electricity generation company) and the regulatory institution
The 8-day assessment mission to review infrastructure development for a new nuclear power programme in Kenya, The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR), was carried out at the invitation of the Government in August 2015.
Kenya is considering the introduction of nuclear power to meet its growing energy demand.
Kenya plans to set up a first nuclear power plant with a capacity of 1000MW by 2027.
This is expected to rise to a total of 4000MW by 2033 making nuclear electricity a key component of the country’s energy mix which is projected will be about 19,000MW in total.
Kenya currently has an installed capacity of 2300MW.
40 institutions comprising Ministries, State Departments and Agencies of government participated in the comprehensive Integrated nuclear infrastructure review.