Nuclear power seems to have become a favoured option for some countries trying to address the shortfall in power. South Africa is the only country on the continent that produces nuclear energy on a commercial basis, supplying about 2% of its needs. However, the country wants to build more plants and so the debate about nuclear power is very much alive.
Nuclear production
South Africa the biggest supplier of electricity to the southern African region has recently been unable to meet the energy needs within its own country, putting additional pressures on neighbouring countries to find alternative sources of supply. As a result uranium rich Namibia is looking at using its vast uranium deposits to commercially develop nuclear power.
Frauke Jensen takes a look at how serious Namibia is about nuclear production.
Niger, Nigeria and Egypt are also considering building nuclear plants, but the option is not without controversy, as some question the cost and safety aspects related to running nuclear power plants.
Africa Energy Week: Monday - Fossil fuels, Tuesday - Solar energy, Wednesday - Hydro & wind power, Thursday - Biofuels, Friday - Nuclear power
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