From the conference, it is clear that the world is likely to see more nuclear power plants constructed between now and 2050. But speakers and promoters of this technology as part of energy security say it is crucial that the public is consulted about the likely risks and benefits of nuclear energy.
“Companies that are planning new nuclear units are currently indicating that the total costs (including escalation and financing costs) will go up to $8,100 per kW which translates into $9 billion for each 1,100 MW plant.
Currently, Uganda’s annual national budget is $11 billion.
State Minister for Energy, Simon D’Ujanga says a feasibility study is currently ongoing to determine the place at which the plant will be built and how much power it will be able to produce, but it will not be less than 1,000 megawatts.
Experts from several African countries are in Uganda to discuss how to safely apply nuclear technology in agriculture, energy generation and medication.
Uganda has vowed not to back any country that promotes the use of nuclear energy for warfare. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, speaking shortly after a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Affairs minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, says government has no problem with nuclear energy, as long as it is used only for peaceful purposes.
