Kenya insists on nuclear energy, and aims to build its first power plant on the coast, starting in 2027.
The most worrying news yet, is that it could be built close to Mida Creek, in the Watamu ecosystem, not far from established tourist areas as well as a natural paradise like few on the African Indian Ocean coast.
Confirmation of the interest in Kilifi and Kwale counties, both on the coast to evidently take advantage of the cooling provided by the ocean, comes from the interim CEO of the Nuclear Energy and Power Agency (Nupea), Justus Wabuyabo, who stated that Nupea intends to issue a call for tenders between 2026 and 2027 and then start construction of the power plant in the same year, which, in the Kenyan government's goal, aims at zero carbon emissions. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, according to some.
"We are now focusing on Kilifi and Kwale as ideal sites. They have met most of the criteria, but before determining the final site we have to do a detailed scientific study as required by the International Nuclear Energy Agency, such as seismic testing for example,' Wabuyabo told the financial newspaper Business Daily.
The plant is expected to have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW), which if successfully delivered will be instrumental in helping to increase the supply of electricity to the economy and reduce dependence on dirty thermal plants.
Kenya's quest to develop a nuclear power plant stems from the expected increase in demand for electricity as the country aims to become a middle-income economy by 2030.
In May, geothermal energy accounted for the largest share of electricity generated, at 45.21%, followed by hydropower (21.05%), wind (16.08%) and solar (3.92%).
But in addition to the expensive nuclear power plant, Kenya will also have to upgrade the electricity transmission grid to provide reliable, off-site power to the nuclear plants.
A joint study by the NuPEA consortium and SGS states that the current electricity grid will require significant upgrading due to the safety requirements imposed on nuclear power plants and the large size of these plants.