Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe has set its sights on nuclear energy to tackle its crippling power shortages, partnering with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russian investors to explore this high-stakes solution.
Energy Minister Edgar Moyo confirmed the country’s interest in adopting nuclear technology, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs). “They [IAEA] have indicated their willingness to guide us through the process until we achieve our goals,” Moyo told journalists during a media briefing.
Nuclear Ambitions Amid Challenges
While nuclear energy offers a pathway to reliable power, experts like Joseph Siegle from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies caution that the journey is fraught with risks. Establishing nuclear power plants is notoriously expensive, complex, and prone to corruption.
“Large-scale infrastructure projects like this often become a source of corruption, both domestically and through state-owned enterprises providing the technology,” Siegle said. Transparency, he stressed, will be critical to ensuring the benefits outweigh the costs.
Zimbabwe plans to increase its power capacity to 4,000 megawatts by 2035, ending debilitating power cuts that currently last up to 18 hours daily. However, Siegle suggested that the country’s energy demands might not justify the expense of large nuclear reactors.
A Balanced Energy Mix
In addition to nuclear power, Zimbabwe is accelerating its adoption of renewable energy. Gloria Magombo, secretary for energy and power development, emphasized the government’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio.
“By 2030, we aim to generate 2,000 megawatts from renewable sources like solar, wind, and mini-hydro stations,” Magombo stated, citing climate-induced droughts that have reduced reliance on hydropower.
Zimbabwe’s current power generation capacity is 2,600 megawatts, but actual daily output is less than half due to aging infrastructure and inefficiencies.
Risks and Long-Term Considerations
Siegle also highlighted long-term risks associated with nuclear energy, including waste management and security concerns. Radioactive waste from nuclear plants can take 10,000 years to decay, posing ongoing health and environmental risks.
The Bigger Picture
Zimbabwe’s pursuit of nuclear energy reflects a growing trend among African nations like South Africa and Egypt, which have sought Russia’s expertise in developing similar projects. However, critics argue that these partnerships often lead to unsustainable debt and limited economic benefits.
As Zimbabwe races toward its 2035 energy goals, all eyes will be on how the nation balances its ambition for nuclear power with the need for transparency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
