Nuclear energy development has been proffered as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to Nigeria’s perennial electricity shortfall. ROSATOM, Russia’s state owned nuclear energy corporation, which is also the global leader in nuclear power plant services – made this known in a statement sent to journalists on Wednesday, May 16.
The federal government of Nigeria, last October, signed an agreement with ROSATOM for the construction of a nuclear power plant and research centre in Nigeria. This is with a view to diversify Nigeria’s current energy generation mix. Other leading African nations, including: Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa, are currently embracing the prospects of nuclear energy – as a solution to their energy shortfalls – with the Russian energy state-owned corporation.
The statement added that electricity generated from nuclear energy has a bright future in Nigeria’s energy mix. This, ROSATOM stressed is borne out of the fact that Nigeria’s existing overdependence on hydro and thermal power plants can’t meet growing electricity demand and forecasts – from households and businesses. “Nigeria’s annual energy demand is on a steady rise. Unfortunately electric energy supply generally is unable to meet this rapidly growing pace,” the statement highlighted. It further pointed out that Nigeria’s expanding industrial sector, rapid urbanization rate of, growth of the middleclass and incomes, coupled with overall annual population growth – are major drivers of the nation’s increasing electricity demand.
“In order for Nigeria to achieve a balanced energy mix, the country should consider all available sustainable sources of energy. Nuclear, solar, wind and hydro power complement and reinforce one another – to form a green square. These, will eventually, become the standard for the world’s future carbon-free energy mix,” the statement noted. ROSATOM further stressed, a sustainable energy mix with the inclusion of nuclear energy will contribute in no small way to Nigeria’s economy – thus making local businesses competitive and attractive on the global market.
According to ROSATOM, electricity generated from nuclear energy is more reliable than other sources of renewable and sustainable energy. This, it emphasized, is borne out of the fact solar and wind energy are dependent upon weather conditions. Nuclear power plants, on the other hand, are free of such constraints. They can run without disruption regardless of the climatic conditions they are operating. Meanwhile, officials of Nigeria’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency and the Atomic Energy Commission are billed to participate in the 10th edition of ATOMEXPO. NAIJ.com gathered that the international forum seeks global partnerships on peaceful uses of atomic energy. Billed to hold in the Russian city of Sochi, the event will be held at the city’s Main Media Centre – between May, Monday 14, to Wednesday, 16.
