Infrastructure

Kenya Unveils Blueprint for First Nuclear Power Plant

Work for the country’s first research reactor set to kick off in 2026.

Updated on

March 26, 2024

NuPEA chief executive Justus Wabuyabo. PHOTO | COURTESY

Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has outlined a strategy to facilitate the construction of its first nuclear power plant over the next five years.

According to the NuPEA 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, Kenya will prioritise six key areas during the period, including nuclear infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement and advocacy.

These priorities also involve energy research and innovation, energy capacity development, research reactor programme, and institutional sustainability.

Kenya will require Sh11 billion to develop its first nuclear research reactor, which is expected to pave the way for large-scale nuclear power production.

NuPEA will request the funds from the Treasury in two instalments to help in meeting 40% of the initial budget of the Kenya nuclear research reactor project.

The agency will need Sh3 billion in 2026 and Sh8 billion in 2027 for the project.

This project will mark NuPEA’s single largest project yet, requiring an investment of Sh32.5 billion spread over five years of implementation.

The agency has already secured 65 acres at the Konza Technopolis for construction of the nuclear research reactor and other nuclear research facilities.

NuPEA plans to commission the first research reactor between 2030 and 2034 and expects to commence construction works in 2026 accordingly.

1,000 megawatts

Meanwhile, plans are in top gear for construction of a 1,000 megawatt electrical (MWe) nuclear plant in the Kenyan coastal region, to help the country diversify its energy generation amid rising demand and a zero-carbon push.

In March 2022, the government identified Kwale and Kilifi as the most preferred sites for the nuclear station due to their low risk of earthquakes.

The nuclear plant is expected to cost $5 billion.

“The first nuclear power plant of 1,000 MW is expected to be commissioned by the year 2027 and is expected to grow to 4,000 MW by 2035,” officials said in their 2020 submissions to the National Environment Management Authority.

NuPEA said it was shopping for the most ideal reactor for Kenya. The reactors available are large-sized devices in the range of 1,000 MW –1,750 MW with “proven design technology and performance records”, the agency said.