US and Russia looking at supplying nuclear to Africa

Five Second Summary:

The US is pushing for small modular reactors (SMRs) as a key element in Africa's energy transition, with an eye on rapidly cut emissions and providing flexible generation capacity compared to traditional large nuclear plants.

The companies:

• General Electric Co.

• Westinghouse Electric Co.

• Rosatom Corp.

What's happening:

• Despite one SMR company’s recent difficulties, the US thinks that SMRs could work in Africa 

• Governments around the world are exploring SMRs as they can be mass-produced for assembly in various locations, reducing construction and installation time.

• Joshua Volz, the US Department of Energy’s deputy assistant secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa, and the Middle East thinks that SMRs are crucial to meeting emissions goals.

Numbers + facts:

• Countries in Africa often lack sufficient finance for clean energy. Despite abundant renewable energy potential, nearly half of the population lacks access to electricity.

• The US is engaged in working out nuclear cooperation agreements with Kenya and Ghana, and is renewing a pact with South Africa. Larger-reactor technology developed by General Electric Co. and Westinghouse Electric Co. is also in discussion.

Looking ahead:

• The promotion of SMRs in Africa underscores the global effort to explore innovative solutions for rapid and flexible emissions reduction, especially in regions where access to electricity remains a challenge.

• The ongoing discussions on nuclear cooperation agreements signal a commitment to balancing economic development with environmental sustainability in African nations transitioning to become oil and gas producers.

• We expect nuclear power to remain a key point of discussion between the US and any potential partners it is seeking in Africa. This is happening at a time where it is seeking to curtail the influence of Russia.

Read more: US Sees a Role for Nuclear Technology in Africa’s Energy Shift