Kenya investigates the nuclear option

The Kenyan government plans to invest KES1.4tn in nuclear reactors to produce 4000MW of power.

According to Mr Ochillo Ayacko, the chairman of the Nuclear Electricity Development Project (NEDP) in the Ministry of Energy, a team has been established to assess the country’s nuclear potential. Kenya’s pre-feasibility study team is composed of experts from different government ministries and agencies. “The pre-feasibility study assessors will put in place the scientific criteria of identifying the site where the nuclear plant will be located,” he said. The study is expected to be completed in November 2012.

In a second phase, preparatory work will be carried out to invite bids while phase three will be the implementation phase that will result in the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kenya.

Secretary of NEDP, David Otwoma, said the 4000MW nuclear plans will be constructed in units of 1000MW at a cost of US$4055/kW. A 1000MW unit is envisaged to cost about US$4bn, with the total project carrying a US$16bn price tag.