Uganda is planning to venture into nuclear energy to support its growing demand for energy amid climate change effects.
The Ugandan government stated that it plans to generate at least 1000 megawatts (MW) from nuclear power by 2031 as part of its efforts to diversify its electricity resources and speed its energy transition, which is a critical component of its climate change response.
A report by the American news agency, Reuters has disclosed the plan of the East African country to explore its rich Uranium reserve. Ugand President, Yoweri Museveni, said that his administration was eager to capitalize on the country’s Uranium for prospective nuclear energy development.
To this effect, Uganda inked a deal with China that stipulates that the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) would assist Uganda in developing capabilities for the peaceful use of atomic energy.
According to the report, the first nuclear facility, Buyende Nuclear Power Plant, would be constructed roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Kampala.
“Preparation to evaluate the Buyende Nuclear Power Plant site is ongoing to pave the way for the first nuclear power project expected to generate 2,000 MW, with the first 1000 MW to be connected to the national grid by 2031,” Energy and Mines Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu stated.
“Uganda is making firm steps to integrate nuclear energy into the electricity generation mix to ensure energy security and provide sufficient electricity for industrialization,” she added.
In October 2021, Bloomberg, another American news agency, reported that Uganda was already looking to identify potential partners for the development of East Africa’s first nuclear
Currently, Only South Africa has an active nuclear power plant, while Russia’s state-owned energy business Rosatom commenced construction of Egypt’s first nuclear facility last year.
Uganda has roughly 1,500 MW of installed generating capacity, but authorities say they expect the country’s energy demands to rise in the coming years as oil export revenues drive an economic boom.
