The Role of Nuclear Energy in Achieving Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals and Socio-Economic Advancement.

 Shalom Bright Omondi

This paper explores the transformative potential of nuclear energy in Africa, highlighting its vital role in sustainable development and socio-economic progress. It begins by discussing nuclear energy and then addresses the adverse effects of fossil fuel exploitation in Africa, emphasizing economic disparities and environmental consequences. Despite acknowledged concerns such as nuclear waste and meltdowns, the paper underscores the need to weigh these against the substantial benefits, including contributions to clean energy, economic growth, and climate action. Drawing examples from Europe and South Africa, it emphasizes nuclear energy's positive impact on air quality, minimal land footprint, and economic prosperity. In conclusion, the paper advocates for the integration of nuclear power into Africa's energy mix, stressing the importance of regional and global collaboration for a forward-looking, prosperous future.

Introduction

 “The release of atomic power has changed everything except our way of thinking.” - Albert Einstein.

In the annals of history, there are said to be only a handful of events that leave an inedible mark on humanity, shaping the course. One of these is nuclear energy. Long associated with death, pain and destruction, nuclear energy is playing an important role in shaping society today though its furthering of sustainable development and socio-economic advancement. In a continent where 600 million people lack access to electricity, nuclear power has the potential to be a source of clean power which will drive industrialization and growing incomes in Africa. ( International Energy Agency (2022) 'Africa Energy Outlook 2022 - Key Findings') This essay begins by discussing the concept of nuclear energy. It then explores the social and economic situation of fossil fuel exploitation in Africa. Subsequently it addresses the potential benefits and concerns of nuclear energy use and the lasting effect that it would have on people’s lives in Africa.

What is Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy itself is a form of energy released from the nucleus. The source of this energy is produced either through fission, when nuclei of atoms split into two parts, or fusion, when nuclei fuse together. (International Atomic Energy Agency, 'What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power' (IAEA, News Center, [15th November, 2022]) They can be used to generate electricity through a nuclear reactor. It is a remarkable experience in every single way.

Effects of Fossil Fuels in Africa

In Africa, fossil fuels have been heavily depended on for energy sustenance for many years. The elephant in the room is that sadly most of the revenue generated from such fossil fuel projects go to multinational companies, and not the countries where they are generated. For instance, in Nigeria, 55 million people are still without access to electricity despite it being the largest oil producer in Africa. (Climate Analytics, 'Gas is Casting a Long Shadow Over Green Development in Africa' (Climate Analytics, Blog, 2022)

The effect of this is devastating as it not only leads to a decrease in return investment for the affected countries in general but an increase in corruption as well. According to a 2013 study by the African Development Bank, countries heavily dependent on the extraction of fossil fuels were more affected by corruption than other countries that did not heavily depend on fossil fuel extraction. (Foreign Affairs, "Africa's Fossil Fuel Trap," Foreign Affairs, (February 17, 2022)

Fossil Fuels have also been majorly linked to global warming. This is due to the fact that when fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and are responsible for global warming. (ClientEarth, "Fossil Fuels and Climate Change: The Facts," ClientEarth ) The combined effect of this thus begins to call into question the efficacy of fossil fuel exploitation in Africa alone.

Addressing Nuclear Energy Controversy

The first thing that normally comes into people’s minds when they hear of nuclear energy is nuclear waste and nuclear meltdowns. Nuclear meltdowns have been well publicized upon throughout history including some such as the Japanese Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011 or Chernobyl disaster of 1986, called the “world’s worst ever civil nuclear incident”.

These fears are well founded upon and critics have taken turns bashing upon the use of nuclear energy and whether it is sustainable, the risk of waste leakage, meltdown risk and even cost. The question as to whether or not nuclear power plants could be adequately maintained in regions in Africa where there is a lack of proper institutions in place to maintain these power plants are also concerns that have been raised.

While it is clear that nuclear energy can produce such dangers, the fact of the matters is that we must weigh the potential benefits of such use in the African sphere in contrast with the risks that may come.

Benefits of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy can help to create an even balance between fossil fuel exploitation and energy sustenance in the African continent. Under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals number 7, 8 and 13, which talks about clean energy, economic growth and climate action, it is clear that nuclear energy promotes the fulfillment of these SDGs. (United Nations. (2023, July 7). Sustainable Development Goals) Nuclear energy use also falls in line with one of the visions under the African Unions Agenda 2063, which is to promote sustainable management of natural resources and environmental conservation.(African Union, 'Agenda 2063 Goals' (African Union, [2021])

The first thing to take notice of is that nuclear energy protects air quality. This is due to the fact that Nuclear is a zero-emission clean energy source unlike fossil fuels. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, the United States avoided more than 471 million metric tons or carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 just by using nuclear as another source of energy. That(Office of Nuclear Energy, "3 Reasons Why Nuclear Is Clean and Sustainable" [U.S. Department of Energy] )That goes to show how much potential nuclear energy has.

Secondly, nuclear energy’s land footprint is small. This means that large amounts carbon-free power nuclear energy can be generated on small amounts of land, thereby not only reducing wasted space that would normally be needed for electricity producers like wind turbines or solar panel farms.

Thirdly, the nuclear industry has a significant impact on the Economy. In Europe, it is responsible for sustaining 1.1 million jobs and generating 556 billion in EU GDP. (World Nuclear News. (2022, January 19). Viewpoint: The climate and economic benefits of nuclear power)In Africa, nuclear science and technology have been cited as one way of managing the constraints of agriculture production and productivity having transformed agriculture at the small to medium sized family farms and commercial farms.(Alliance for Science, 'Africa Explores Nuclear Energy as Climate-Friendly Way to Ease Power Shortfalls' (2022) Alliance for Science Blog) Nuclear energy can also help promote increase access to electricity and job creation for instance in South Africa, the country has implemented using nuclear energy to increase access to electricity. Their Koeberg power plant generates over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of clean baseload electricity, driving economic prosperity in the region since the 1990s. This is a good benchmark for African countries.(Mthombeni, P. (2020, November 13). Viewpoint: Nuclear energy is critical to Africa's agenda for sustainable development. World Nuclear News.)

Lastly in addressing the concerns revolving around nuclear energy, is must be known that nuclear energy produces minimal waste. Despite all the criticism that comes with nuclear energy use and waste disposal, nuclear fuel is extremely dense and therefore, the waste can be adequately stored and disposed of without producing a great risk to the environment. The only question would be if there are correct institutions in place to ensure the adequate storage of nuclear waste. Africa can turn to South Africa for reference whereas of now, nuclear waste is properly managed and stored in one of the largest and oldest waste repositories in the world know as the Vaal puts, which are far away from human habitation. (ESI Africa, 'Commentary: Nuclear Waste Storage is not a Problem' [August 20, 2021] )

Conclusion

African states should pursue an energy mix that includes nuclear power as part of its aim in moving Africa closer to achieving vision 2063.(Mthombeni, P. (2020, November 13). Viewpoint: Nuclear energy is critical to Africa's agenda for sustainable development. World Nuclear News.) Nuclear energy plays an important role in society not only as a source of energy and green economy but as a way of prospering the local community around it. The solution for achieving and ensuring the benefits of nuclear power would not only involve a regional mobilization but also support from the global community as well. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is already providing help to African countries who are member states to develop regulatory frameworks and training people on the ground as well. It must be clear that challenges will persist especially in regard to funding and potential dangers, but in order to ensure a prosperous Africa, we must be willing to take a leap of faith, even into the unknown.