China and Kenya on Monday 14th September signed a deal for cooperation in building the latter’s first nuclear power plant. The deal was signed by Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) at the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong Province, South China.
The deal dictates that Kenya will obtain expertise from China; the expertise will draw from training and skills development, Feasibility studies and technical support in matters like location of the plant selection.
This deal comes barely a fortnight since Kenya was cleared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish her first nuclear plant. The first plant is expected to generate 1000MW and is projected to be operational 2022 and 4000MW by 2033. Nuclear electricity in Kenya is expected to be a very crucial component and additional energy source for the country’s power demand projected to rise to 19000MW by 2033.
KNEB Chairman Ochilo Ayacko echoed the importance of the deal and the plant to the nuclear power program of the country. Kenya is however to identify the best suited nuclear reactor model with the option including the China’s Hualong One Reactor on the list.
Kenya has shown consistent commitment to finding alternative power sources for the daily growing power demand in the country. Nuclear electricity provide for a constant, reliable and affordable that is independent of factors like weather and water levels.
Geothermal, solar, wind, coal and bio-energy are among the alternative energy sources being explored to boost and supplement the current hydropower.
