Energy and Mineral Development Minister Eng. Irene Muloni says Uganda will be using nuclear power in the next 10 to 15 years. If it happens, Uganda will have nuclear power by 2028 or there afterwards.
Addressing the media at the Joint Energy Sector Review ongoing at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Muloni said that the idea of having nuclear power is to ensure abundant and cheaper energy sources for the country in the future, in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.
The vision suggests that 80 percent of Uganda should have access to electricity, at a generation capacity of 40,000 megawatts by 2040. The minister says that in order to meet the future energy needs of Ugandans, including industry, the planning needs to start now, with nuclear power in the mix.
Muloni says by 2040, Uganda would have exhausted most of her renewable sources of energy like hydro and geothermal power, yet alternative sources like solar power have their own inherent shortcomings.
According to Muloni, nuclear power will be additional to other sources of renewable energy like hydropower, solar, geothermal power, biomass and wind. She adds that because of the envisaged energy challenges ahead, the government is planning for nuclear power as the “energy for the future.”
Minister Muloni says planning for nuclear energy is already on with guidance from International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure it is not only used for peaceful purposes but is also safe and secure.
Muloni stressed that Ugandans should know that the plan for nuclear energy is already underway. She adds that a nuclear energy unit has already been established with its capacity being built; adding that in 10 to 15 years’ time Uganda would be generating nuclear power.
Muloni explained that they will start with low nuclear generation capacity which will be gradually upped depending on the type of technology deployed. She says the ultimate aim is to ensure abundant, secure and cheaper energy for the country.
– URN
