NAIROBI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is intensifying its efforts to develop nuclear energy, officials said on Thursday.
Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) Acting CEO Collins Juma told Xinhua in Nairobi that KNEB has already reached out to a number of international partners who have vast experience in harnessing nuclear power.
"We have already signed agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as the Chinese government to fast track development of nuclear energy in Kenya," Juma said during the Fourth Edition of the Great Energy Debate.
The day-long event highlighted the challenges facing the increase in demand for power as well as opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the energy sector.
The East African nation had initially planned to operationalize its first 1,000 Megawatts nuclear power plant in 2021.
"However, due to emerging challenges such as the need to put in place necessary infrastructure, the power plant can only be functional after 2027," Juma said.
KNEB said that the current high demand for electricity means that Kenya will exhaust it hydro, wind and geothermal power sources by around 2025.
"This will force Kenya to look for alternative power sources such as nuclear energy to provide electricity to the country," he added.
Juma said that Kenya is currently in the process of identifying an ideal site to locate its first power plant. Enditem
