Fast-moving African Nations Accelerating Nuclear Energy Developments by 2025
In the realm of energy production, several African and European countries are making significant strides in nuclear power, with Egypt leading the charge on the continent. The El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, a 4.8 GW project, is the most advanced nuclear undertaking in Africa today, currently under construction in Egypt. This development marks Egypt's lead in nuclear infrastructure development on the continent.
South Africa, with Africa's only commercial nuclear power station in Koeberg, remains the most experienced nuclear operator on the continent. The country is now exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMR) technologies, potentially reviving its Pebble Bed Modular Reactor program.
Meanwhile, Morocco is pursuing a multidirectional approach, balancing Western and Eastern partnerships. While Egypt is focusing on the execution of the El Dabaa project, Morocco is primarily engaged in Research and Development (R&D) and international partnerships. Plans include the construction of an experimental reactor and investigations into SMRs.
Kenya, scheduled to construct its first nuclear power plant in 2027, has entered into a cooperation agreement with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to increase technical capacity in its nuclear space. Kenya is also actively exploring SMRs, specifically the 100-300 MW configurations.
Uganda, with plans to build a nuclear power station in Buyende, has backing from CNNC. The country's Energy Strategy prioritises a balanced mix of nuclear power, hydropower, and renewables for future industrialization.
Ghana, which operates a research reactor, is developing regulatory infrastructure via collaboration with the IAEA. The country has signed agreements with NuScale (U.S.) for SMRs and CNNC (China) for a large reactor, leaving them with a diverse technology portfolio.
On the European front, France and Germany have resolved their long-standing dispute over nuclear power. Germany no longer opposes France’s nuclear use, and both countries aim to promote low-emission energy sources at the European level. Poland is actively constructing Europe’s first SMR nuclear power plant in Włocławek, leveraging advanced U.S. technology and having secured permits as of late 2023.
Switzerland’s Aargau canton parliament has approved motions to explore the rapid construction of a nuclear power plant, and Norway is commissioning studies on reactor technologies as part of evaluating a potential entry into nuclear energy.
The El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, a $28 billion project, is expected to come online by 2028, with 85% financing through a Russian state loan. Egypt, however, has not yet gone down the route of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), but is well ahead of other countries in its execution of the El Dabaa project.
These developments underscore a growing interest in nuclear energy across Africa and Europe, with countries seeking to balance energy security, industrial growth, and environmental considerations in their energy strategies.
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