Türkiye offers key lessons to African states pursuing nuclear energy: Officials

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Türkiye offers key lessons to newcomer states including in Africa that are pursuing nuclear energy development, the deputy director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Thursday.

Speaking in Kampala, where officials from various countries with nuclear programs and nuclear technology vendors are gathering to discuss nuclear energy developments in Africa, Mikhail Chudakov the Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy at the IAEA, said that nearly one third of the countries that have approached the IAEA for assistance in establishing a nuclear power program are African and urged African governments to deliberate on nuclear energy, which is pivotal in the fight against climate change and achieving decarbonization and net zero goals.

Türkiye will host the next Nuclear Business Platform this summer, which will be hosted by the Nuclear Technical Support Joint Stock Company (NUTED A.S.) in the resort city of Antalya in southern Türkiye.

Zaf Coelho, managing director of the Nuclear Business Platform, told Anadolu that the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Türkiye serves as an example for African countries that are considering to pursue nuclear energy.

“Türkiye is one of the fastest growing markets globally, and its nuclear energy journey is a befitting example to African countries aspiring to access and gain insights in the nuclear market,” Zaf said.

“Like Türkiye, newcomer states to nuclear energy will create jobs, the development of nuclear education and many other positive effects,” he added.
Daniela Lulache, head of Policy and Co-ordination of the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said nuclear power represents an alternative and reliable source of electricity, adding the time is right for Uganda to pursue its nuclear aspirations alongside other renewable energy generation options to achieve the twin goals of economic development and consistent electricity supply.

Solomon Muyita, the spokesperson for Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, told Anadolu that the East African country aspires to use nuclear technology for administering radiotherapy and other nuclear medicine applications.