Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced on Thursday that Kenya to start construction of nuclear power plant plan to be completed by 2034. This initiative is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth. Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to incorporating nuclear technology into its sustainable energy agenda.
During a meeting with William D. Magwood, IV, the Director-General of the United States Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), at his Railways office, Mudavadi expressed appreciation for NEA’s role in mentoring young Kenyans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He underscored the significance of the ongoing collaboration between Kenya and the NEA, noting that it aligns with NEA’s objective to integrate nuclear energy into clean energy solutions.
Scope
Key discussion points included the deployment of Small Modular Reactor technology, enhancing nuclear research capabilities, and ensuring the sustainability of institutions involved in nuclear energy. Mudavadi reiterated the government’s intent to strengthen its partnership with the NEA to support Kenya’s long-term energy and development ambitions. He stated that this collaboration is crucial for the successful execution of Kenya’s nuclear energy program, which will contribute to the nation’s prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, Kenya is set to host the second edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) from August 27-30. The summit will evaluate Africa’s preparedness for nuclear energy adoption and address challenges impeding the development of nuclear power in the region. The event aims to enhance existing partnerships and create new ones, promoting cooperation in the nuclear energy sector and highlighting the role of nuclear power in achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The summit will bring together policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders for workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on financing, workforce development, and supply chain readiness. The inaugural summit, organized by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, took place in Accra and focused on international cooperation, innovative nuclear solutions, and policy development.
In May, during President William Ruto’s state visit to the US, he and President Joe Biden discussed strengthening the partnership on clean energy and resilience, with a focus on deepening US-Africa cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.
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