The Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board is currently conducting a screening exercise for potential sites identified for the development of nuclear power plants in the East African country.
The CEO Collins Juma revealed: “The board is in the process of selecting a qualified firm to develop terms of reference for site characterisation for nuclear power plants in Kenya after it closed international tender notice.”
According to the Daily Nation, Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana and the Indian Ocean have been earmarked as potential sites due to their sustainable water sources.
Juma underlined that the scope of work for the consultancy will also include spelling out of a comprehensive description of all activities to be undertaken during site characterisation.
A consultancy team is expected to comprise a multi-disciplinary team of experts who have expertise in earth sciences, civil/geotechnical/nuclear engineers, environmental specialists and meteology experts registered by their relevant accredited professional bodies.
The best candidate sites will then be subjected to a weighted analysis and the best two will be designated as ‘proposed site’ and ‘alternate site’.
Kenya’s first nuclear power plant
According to media, Juma assured Kenyans of the reliability and safety of nuclear electricity, adding that Russia, China and South Korea will assist to begin construction of Kenya’s first nuclear power plant by 2024.
“Operation of a nuclear plant does not have adverse effects to humans and the environment. Kenya has identified the global safety requirements for the set-up and receiving global support,” he said.
KNEB technical officer Edwin Chesire highlighted that in order to realise the development agenda stipulated in Kenya Vision 2030, the country will require more than 16,000MW of electricity.
Chesire said Kenya is on track to generate nuclear electricity by 2027.
Source: ESI-Africa.com
