Nuclear energy a long-term consideration, Alweendo says
Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo says Namibia is considering adopting nuclear energy as part of its energy mix, but this is something that is only being considered in the long-term.He made the comments during a recent Cabinet update on his ministry’s activities.
“If you look at our national integrated resource plan - which is our long-term plan - you would notice that nuclear energy, while it is not an immediate thing, it could be part of our mix in the long run,” he said.
Alweendo explained that even if Namibia favourably considered making nuclear energy part of its energy mix, there would be a lot of scrutiny before the country would be granted the right to produce the energy source.
Long process
“The potential of nuclear is part of our long-term plan. The only thing we know is if we go that route, it’s a long process in terms of having the right technical skills.
“[We also know] that when people speak [about] nuclear, even before you say electricity, they think about nuclear weapons. Therefore, there is a stringent regime for you to get to use nuclear electricity... It’s a lengthy process,” he said.
In response to queries by state-owned publication New Era, the World Nuclear Agency (WNA) recently said there are no limitations on Namibia adopting nuclear energy as part of its energy mix.
“There is no reason why Namibia couldn’t follow in the footsteps of more than 50 other countries who have developed nuclear energy programmes. South Africa has already constructed a nuclear power plant in the region, with two 930-megawatt reactors built at the Koeberg nuclear power plant in 1985. That is not, however, to understate the significant preparation required to facilitate the development of nuclear reactors,” the WNA said.
“If you look at our national integrated resource plan - which is our long-term plan - you would notice that nuclear energy, while it is not an immediate thing, it could be part of our mix in the long run,” he said.
Alweendo explained that even if Namibia favourably considered making nuclear energy part of its energy mix, there would be a lot of scrutiny before the country would be granted the right to produce the energy source.
Long process
“The potential of nuclear is part of our long-term plan. The only thing we know is if we go that route, it’s a long process in terms of having the right technical skills.
“[We also know] that when people speak [about] nuclear, even before you say electricity, they think about nuclear weapons. Therefore, there is a stringent regime for you to get to use nuclear electricity... It’s a lengthy process,” he said.
In response to queries by state-owned publication New Era, the World Nuclear Agency (WNA) recently said there are no limitations on Namibia adopting nuclear energy as part of its energy mix.
“There is no reason why Namibia couldn’t follow in the footsteps of more than 50 other countries who have developed nuclear energy programmes. South Africa has already constructed a nuclear power plant in the region, with two 930-megawatt reactors built at the Koeberg nuclear power plant in 1985. That is not, however, to understate the significant preparation required to facilitate the development of nuclear reactors,” the WNA said.
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