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- US and Russia looking at supplying nuclear to Africa
US and Russia looking at supplying nuclear to Africa
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.
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.