What’s UPND’s position on the nuclear energy agenda which PF left in place

5th September 2024

Opinion

Graduating students from Russia's Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI) at the Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering. The graduates in field of nuclear power and Thermo-physics were: Mabvuto Banda, Richard Vlahakis, Thandiwe Zulu, Chabala Kalenga, Machona Mbahwe, Nchimunya Mwiinga, Bertha Mumba, Morris Mungwalubilo, Mwenya Nachela, Mary Ngoma, Gershom Ngosa, Astony Katongo Nkausu, Victor Simangolwa, Humphery Simwinga, Taonga Chilambo.

Opinion

Graduating students from Russia's Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI) at the Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering. The graduates in field of nuclear power and Thermo-physics were: Mabvuto Banda, Richard Vlahakis, Thandiwe Zulu, Chabala Kalenga, Machona Mbahwe, Nchimunya Mwiinga, Bertha Mumba, Morris Mungwalubilo, Mwenya Nachela, Mary Ngoma, Gershom Ngosa, Astony Katongo Nkausu, Victor Simangolwa, Humphery Simwinga, Taonga Chilambo.

IN 2017, Zambia embarked on an ambitious journey towards diversifying its energy portfolio by exploring nuclear energy as a viable alternative to its hydro-dependent electricity generation. This decision was rooted in the recognition that the country’s over-reliance on hydroelectric power, which is vulnerable to the increasingly erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change, could not guarantee sustainable energy security. The government initiated steps to prepare for this nuclear future by sending technocrats to Russia for training in nuclear management. We recall then Energy Minister David Mabumba saying, as a requirement of the international nuclear agencies, the government was committed to ensure that local experts were well-equipped to handle the complexities of atomic energy production

Russia, a global leader in nuclear technology, pledged to support Zambia’s nuclear ambitions by helping construct a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre. In addition, Zambian students were sent to Russia on government scholarships to study nuclear energy production. By 2021, at least 15 of these students had graduated, ready to contribute to the development of Zambia’s nuclear energy sector. They were ready for deployment at the white elephant called the “Nuclear Science Technology Centre”.. However, despite these promising beginnings, the dream of nuclear energy in Zambia seems to have been plunged into the dungeon of political kerfuffle, leaving the nation to grapple with an ongoing electricity crisis without a clear path forward.

Zambia’s electricity crisis, characterised by frequent load shedding and an unreliable power supply, has had far-reaching implications for the economy and the daily lives of citizens. Our energy challenges are primarily due to our heavy reliance on hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of electricity generation. While hydropower is a clean and renewable energy source, it is also highly dependent on water availability, making it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as the prolonged drought that we are dealing with this year. Nuclear energy, on the other hand, offers a compelling alternative that could significantly enhance Zambia’s energy security. Unlike hydroelectric power, nuclear energy is not dependent on weather conditions and can provide a stable and continuous supply of electricity.

Zambia is not the only African country that has recognised the potential of nuclear energy. The Egyptian government has signed agreements with Russia’s Rosatom to construct the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, which is expected to have a total capacity of 4,800 MW. This project is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. South Africa is another example of a country that has operated nuclear power plants since the 1980s, contributing to the country’s energy mix. These examples demonstrate that nuclear energy can be a safe and effective solution to energy challenges in developing countries. The key to success lies in strong government commitment, rigorous regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear technology.

Given the ongoing electricity crisis in Zambia, one would expect the UPND government to revisit the nuclear energy agenda with renewed urgency. However, the current administration has been conspicuously silent on this issue, raising questions about whether the nuclear energy project has been abandoned. If this is the case, the government owes the Zambian people an explanation.

One possible reason for the government’s silence could be the shaky diplomatic relations between Zambia and Russia. The geopolitical landscape has shifted since 2017, with growing tensions between Russia and Western powers, which Zambia has aligned with. Could these countries have influenced Zambia’s stance on nuclear energy? We need to know. If diplomatic considerations have led to the abandonment of the nuclear energy project, the government should be transparent about these challenges and explore alternative avenues for international cooperation.

Alternatively, the silence could be due to a lack of political will or a shift in priorities. The UPND government may have other plans for addressing the energy crisis, but without clear communication, the public remains in the dark. If the government has indeed decided to abandon the nuclear energy project, it should provide a clear rationale and outline its alternative strategy for achieving energy security. What is happening in the country is very bad and the cascading effects will be felt for many years to come.

The UPND government has a responsibility to ensure that Zambia’s energy sector is resilient, sustainable, and capable of supporting the country’s economic growth. While nuclear energy is not without its challenges, it remains a viable option that could significantly enhance Zambia’s energy security. The government should, therefore, clarify its position on nuclear energy and either reaffirm its commitment to this project or present a credible alternative plan.