Post date: Nov 27, 2012 1:1:50 PM
Kenya-Nuclear Plant -- Kenya's first nuclear power plant to be completed by 2022
China Central Television (CCTV) - Kenya's first nuclear power plant will be completed by 2022 for electricity needs, according to Ochillo Ayacko, chairman of Kenya's Nuclear Electricity Project Committee (NEPC) on Monday.
At present Kenya mainly relies on hydropower for its energy supply. But it has been suffering from electricity shortages due to the effects of seasons and weather.The country decided to start the construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2012, to increase its generating capacity and clean energy development.
The nuclear power plant will be completed by 2022, with an investment of 25 billion Kenyan shillings (290 million U.S. dollars).
"When we look at how this is to be achieved, energy becomes very significant. Energy is key to this, because you can not do value addition without a reliable or affordable and sustainable energy supply," said Ochillo Ayacko.
In addition, to address safety concerns, the Kenyan government has fully analyzedJapan's nuclear disaster in 2011 caused by the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and made corresponding preparations for the planned power plant.
"What they have failed to do was to update their safety requirements to meet their challenges of a natural disaster. How Kenya is likely to leave from that one is by the time we put on our first concrete, we will be asking for the latest technology, which is called generation four that can deal with the challenges that Japan had," said Ochillo Ayacko.
At present, the Kenyan government is seeking international cooperation. And several scientists have been sent to study in China, United States, South Koreaand other countries with advanced nuclear technologies.
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