Global nuclear power leaders like Russia, China and the US are channelling investments into new nuclear technology, which might help Africa fulfil their future energy needs, writes Scott Firsing.

By 2050, global electricity usage is projected to surge by as much as 75 per cent, driven by technological advancements and population growth. With Africa’s population expected to reach 2.5 billion by the middle of the century, the continent requires an energy revolution to meet demand in which nuclear power could play a pivotal role.

However, the sole commercial nuclear power plant currently operational in Africa is the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station nestled just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Built in the 1970s by the French Consortium Framatome and Alstom, Koeberg’s two units were recently operationally extended for another 20 years, until 2044. The plant will continue to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy mix.

Globally, there are 440 nuclear reactors in 32 countries that are connected to electrical grids, providing a model for what’s possible. America leads with 94 reactors, followed by China (58), France (57), and Russia (36). These countries are not only managing their own energy needs but are also playing a pivotal role in exporting nuclear technology to Africa.

Who’s next in line in Africa to go nuclear?

The next taxis off the rank look set to be Egypt and Ghana, which are actively engaging with global nuclear leaders. In recent years, Russia and China have ramped up their involvement in Africa’s nuclear sector, especially in uranium mining. Russian company Rosatom hold about 70 per cent of the global market for building new nuclear plants, is at the forefront. They are financing and currently constructing Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant located on the Mediterranean Sea, which will be Africa’s second operational nuclear facility. This £23.6 billion project featuring four VVER-1200 units, marks a significant step forward. In March 2024, work began on El Dabaa’s first tier of the inner containment building for the first unit. Construction is on track to see its first stage completed by 2028.

Meanwhile, Ghana has taken a different path, opting for US innovation over Russian giants. In August 2024, Ghana awarded the contract for its first nuclear power plant to the US company NuScale Power, introducing Africa to its first advanced commercial light water Small Modular Reactor. This move is part of a broader trend towards embracing advanced nuclear technologies that promise lower costs and more flexibility in powering remote or smaller-scale operations.

Future challenges and opportunities

There are several other African countries currently in various stages of planning to incorporate nuclear power into their energy grids, but the realisation and scale of these projects remain uncertain.

Uganda serves as a notable example. In September 2019, Russia and Uganda signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. However, in March 2023, Uganda announced plans to generate 1000MW from nuclear power by 2031 with assistance from China. Then in August 2023, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni indicated a change in strategy, selecting Russia and South Korea to construct two nuclear power stations capable of generating over 15,000MW aiming to also export electricity to neighbouring countries. This plan was further confirmed in November 2024 when Foreign Minister Abubaker Jeje Odongo announced intentions to start negotiating with Russia for the construction of these facilities.

Across Africa, there’s a growing interest in nuclear energy, evidenced by almost monthly press releases and agreements. Zimbabwe has agreed to cooperate with Russia in building small nuclear reactors, as stated by Energy Minister Edgar Moyo. Burkina Faso, Mali, and South Africa have recently signed agreements with Russia for nuclear energy development.

Overall, the narrative around nuclear power has evolved over the last decade, with increased interest driven by both economic development and environmental considerations. The International Atomic Energy Agency has been instrumental with its support, recently providing legal assistance to Kenya and Uganda in their bids to become nuclear newcomers and in October 2024, focused on enhancing nuclear education in African universities to cultivate the next generation of nuclear scientists.

However, the financial aspect poses significant challenges. To put this into perspective, Rwanda’s entire annual GDP is £10 billion. Constructing a nuclear power plant of the size Egypt is planning would cost £24 billion.

With this said the introduction of SMRs could be particularly advantageous for Africa. There are options that can reduce the impact of initial capital costs. These reactors also offer scalable solutions that can be adapted to the diverse energy needs of African countries, whose geography and population distribution vary considerably.

We are seeing more and more government support for advanced nuclear technology like SMRs and ultra-compact nuclear microreactors, which designed to power remote locations like industrial sites and AI data centres or even small towns while providing power away from large grid systems.

The presence of substantial uranium resources in countries like Niger, South Africa, and Namibia further supports Africa’s nuclear development.

Despite these advancements, the hurdles of high costs, long construction periods, and the need for extensive human resources are substantial. In certain instances, nuclear energy may not represent the most viable solution for a particular African nation. Nevertheless, only time will reveal the extent to which energy generated by nuclear reactors will integrate into Africa’s electrical grids in the years ahead, although it is anticipated to surpass current levels.

Photo credit: Mark H used with permission CC BY-NC-ND 2.0