NUCLEAR ENERGY IN KENYA/ THE TALKING POINTS.

What is NUCLEAR ENERGY?

Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus of an atom. Atoms are the smallest particles that can break a material. At the core of each atom, there are two types of particles (neutrons and protons) that are held together. Therefore, Nuclear energy is the energy that holds neutron and protons together. ( http://nuclear-energy.net/what-is-nuclear-energy)

Nuclear fuel is the material used to make nuclear energy. The major source of nuclear fuel is URANIUM. Others are Plutonium, Tritium and Deuterium.Nuclear energy can be created through two processes: These are:-

Fussion is attaching/joining the cores from different atoms

Fission is the action through which the nucleus of an atom is divided/split

What are the advantages of Nuclear energy over conventional sources of energy such as Hydro-Electric or Diesel energy?

In published statistics of 2012 by World Nuclear Association, the world electricity production was topped by Coal, Gas, Hydro, Nuclear, Solar & Wind and others.In consideration therefore of some of the advantages of nuclear energy and its increasing importance in a continually industrialization world?-It helps to reduces amounts of energy generated from fossil fuels such as coal and oil.Reduces greenhouse gas emissionsHas reduced cost of extraction/production What are the challenges with Nuclear energy?Catastrophic risk of radiation accidentsUnethical use for military warfare or terrorism activitiesManagement and disposal of nuclear waste and pervasive pollution of environment including crops, waterways etcEscalated cost due to short shelf life of reactors. The incidental expenses for re-generation and building of new reactors after expiry escalates cost.

What lessons are there from countries which proliferate Nuclear energy?

At present over 31 countries host commercial nuclear power plants and over 240 research ones. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute Research findings published in April of 2015, the 10 major producers of Nuclear energy are:- USA, France, Russia, South Korea, China , Canada, Germany, Ukraine, Sweden and UK. (http://www.nei.org/knowledge-center/nuclear-statistics/world-statistics/top-10-nuclear-generating-countries)A quick study of countries generating nuclear power would show that without exception, all are expanding the scope for nuclear energy generation by investing in nuclear plants and developing nuclear energy policies. Russia for example is at the fore front of building and financing nuclear reactor expansion in a number of countries.

Is there a case for adopting Nuclear energy policies in Kenya and what approach is the government taking in regards to Nuclear Energy?

Kenya is recognized by the World Nuclear Association, an international organization that promotes nuclear energy and supports the many companies that comprise the global nuclear industry; as one of the emerging nuclear energy countries.The Association’s membership encompasses virtually all world uranium mining, conversion, enrichment and fuel fabrication; all reactor vendors; major nuclear engineering, construction, and waste management companies; and the majority of world nuclear generation. Other members provide international services in nuclear transport, law, insurance, brokerage, industry analysis and finance.In Kenya, the discussions and forums have been had in adopting nuclear energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuel and hydro electric power, currently the mainstay of Kenya’s economy.

The biggest argument advanced has been that the government would like to push for middle income economy status. As such, this calls for safe, reliable, affordable and sustained source of electricity to drive production of goods and services.To this end the, Nuclear Electricity Project Committee (NEPC)was established under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Energy through The Kenya Gazette Notice No.14188 of 19th November 2010.

NEPC has since been transformed into a statutory body under the State Corporations Act (Cap 446) through Legal Notice No. 131 dated 16th November 2012. It was hereinafter, renamed Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) with a mandateto fast track the development of nuclear electricity generation in Kenya.KNEB has since then created partnerships with the government of South Korea and China, to sponsor students for capacity building in this field.

Further, an MOU with the government of China has been signed to provide the relevant expertise as Kenya embarks on construction of a nuclear plant between the years 2020-2022, by way of training and skills development, technical support in areas such as site selection for Kenya’s nuclear power plants and feasibility studies including safety analysis and environmental impact assessment. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_energy_in_Kenya)

The Functions of KNEB are:-To promote and expedite the development of nuclear electricity in Kenya

Undertake public education and awareness on Kenya’s nuclear power programme

Identify, prepare and facilitate the implementation of a roadmap for a nuclear power programme

In collaboration with relevant Government agencies, develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for nuclear electricity generation in Kenya

Develop a human resource capacity to ensure Kenya has the requisite manpower to successfully establish and maintain a nuclear power programme

Identify appropriate sites in Kenya for the construction of nuclear power plants and related amenities

Enter into collaborative programme’s related to nuclear electricity research and development with other international and national organizations

Establish a library and information Centre on nuclear science and technology, andPerform any other duties which may be necessary for the execution of its mandate under this Order.

KENYA NUCLEAR PROGRAMME :-PROJECT PROGRESS OUTLOOK KENYA NUCLEAR PROGRAMME MILESTONES

The Project progress outline and milestone timelines can be referenced at;- (http://www.nuclear.co.ke/our-business/progress-of-the-nuclear-power-programme-in-kenyae-in-kenya.html)

The entire project is a main feature in the realization of Vision 2030 and has a tentative completion date of 2025.

How does Nuclear energy compare with Oil energy and does Kenya need to shelf Nuclear energy drive and exploit the newest natural resource – the oil fields of Turkana?

According to Ferenc L. Toth*, Hans-Holger Rogner in an article published in 2005, titled, “Oil and nuclear power: Past, present, and future”, the current concerns associated with both energy sources and related technologies, include “…price volatility, supply security, geopolitical sensitivity, depletion alarms, and environmental pollution issues for oil, economic performance, operational safety, proliferation, terrorism, radioactive waste disposal, and the resulting public acceptance for nuclear energy…”

These are the same concerns alive in 2015, as Kenya engages high gear towards building a Nuclear Power Plant.The recent accidents involving Nuclear plants in Japan and China and the reverberating aftermaths of radiation accidents such as Chenobyll are still are a major source of apprehension for the Kenya public, which largely remain uneducated on this frontier.

The ensuing tribal skirmishes between the communities that live in the oil rich regions of Kenya are also a testament to what could essentially be a major show stopper to the development of the Oil Industry in Kenya should their concerns remain un -resolved in an equitable and just manner.

How sustainable is Nuclear energy?

The following list the widely considered sources of sustainable and renewable energy.

Solar Energy

Biomass

Geothermal Energy

Hydro-Electric Energy

Wind Energy

Tidal and Wave Power

Nuclear power/energy is not necessarily sustainable given the high latitude on levels of environmental impacts, cost of production and maintenance.However when we consider that the output (fuel) is a low proportion of power cost,(set apart from fixed cost), then it translates to Power price stability, The fuel is on site and not dependent on continuous delivery. It can be dispatched on demand, Contributes to clean air and low carbon dioxidesIt gives good voltage support for grid stability. (http://www.world-nuclear.org//)

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