Regulators warn nuclear energy requires major technical capacity

Namibia is considering nuclear energy as part of its long-term strategy to meet growing electricity demand and potentially supply the region, but questions remain about the capacity to regulate such complex projects.

The topic arose during a Q&A session at the announcement of leadership transition at the Regional Energy Regulators Association (RERA) in Windhoek on Monday.

Outgoing chair Skhumbuzo Tsabedze of Eswatini pointed out the technical and regulatory challenges posed by nuclear power.

“Only a few countries in Africa, like South Africa and Egypt, are actively pursuing nuclear energy,” Tsabedze said, noting that South Africa operates the continent’s only commercial nuclear power plant, while Egypt’s nuclear programme is still in its early stages. “The technical expertise required is immense, and the sector is highly regulated internationally.” 

Namibia currently imports a large share of its electricity, with roughly 60–70% sourced from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zambia.

Power costs

Energy expert Andreas Simon, speaking on 99fm last year, said building a nuclear power plant in Namibia could cost between US$6 billion and US$9 billion (N$166 billion) depending on scale and technology.

Namibia has a strong raw material base for nuclear energy, being one of the world’s top uranium producers, accounting for around 10% of global output.

While these reserves provide the raw material for nuclear energy, experts caution that mining uranium does not, on its own, give Namibia the infrastructure or expertise to operate a nuclear plant.

On Monday, Tsabedze, Eswatini’s outgoing chair, handed over the reins to incoming chairperson Dr Paulo da Graça, executive chairman and CEO of the Autoridade Reguladora de Energia of Mozambique. 

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