Kenya Signs MOU With China General Nuclear Power Group

Author: Sources: DATE:2015-09-17 Hits:

The China General Nuclear Power Group and the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board – a branch of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya – announced they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would pave the way for the African nation to join the nuclear power parade that is underway in emerging economies.

 Both parties agreed to mutual cooperation for the development of nuclear power in Kenya, including construction based on an HPR1000 design. The agreement covers construction, operation, fuel supply, security, safety, waste management and decommissioning – the entire business cycle of nuclear power.

Kenya, which represents the largest economy of East Africa is oil and mineral rich and stable politically, all of which point to a viable partner in nuclear power, reports the Energy Business Review. In addition, the United Nations nuclear power watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, declared earlier this month that Kenya was on track regarding infrastructure to support a nuclear power plant.

The IAEA completed a 10-day inspection of the country to reach its conclusion, which was announced Sept. 2. The positive review gave Kenya “the impetus to proceed towards the next stages and gives the government a good framework of actions and issues requiring further development,” said Ochilo Ayacko, the executive chairman and chief executive officer of the Kenya Nuclear Energy Board (KNEB).

Kenya sent a delegation of KNEB directors, a government geologist, members of Parliament and the General Director of the Kenya Energy Regulation Commission on a six-day mission to China, which was completed Sept. 11. The mission of the delegation was to investigate CGN's capacities for handling the construction, production and operation of a nuclear power plant that would help Kenya reach its goals of reaching 5 million kilowatts of installed capacity in 2016 that would increase to 17 million by 2030. “Kenyan government also plans to build 4 million kilowatt nuclear units in 4 phases before 2030,” EBR reported.

Current grid coverage of Kenya is at 30 percent with only 10 percent of rural populations covered. The current capacity peaks at 2 million kilowatts.