Brandon Josphat
POLITICAL EDITOR
AUTHORITIES say Zimbabwe is moving closer to using nuclear power to generate electricity after partnering with a South Korean company to explore the possibility of building a nuclear power plant.
This comes as the government commissioned a Russian energy firm to conduct feasibility studies for a nuclear power plant, as authorities fight to end the country’s crippling power cuts.
Speaking during the ongoing regular General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, yesterday, the minister of Energy, July Moyo, said Zimbabwe had entered into an agreement with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) to study the possibility of using a new type of nuclear reactor to generate electricity.
“We are pleased to announce that our Centre for Education, Innovation, Research and Development (CEIRD) has signed a business agreement with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) to conduct a preliminary feasibility study on the deployment of the Innovative Small Modular Reactor (i-SMR).
“This initiative will not only enhance our understanding of advanced reactor technologies, but will also contribute to the development of national nuclear expertise, technological advancement and institutional capacity, thereby supporting evidence-based policy development and decision-making as Zimbabwe progresses towards establishing the infrastructure required for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme,” he said.
Moyo said nuclear power was being considered as part of the country’s long-term plans to ensure a reliable electricity supply and support economic growth.
“In line with our national energy development strategy, Zimbabwe is actively pursuing the development of the necessary national infrastructure and capabilities for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“This includes the consideration of nuclear power as part of our long-term strategy to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply to underpin our rapid industrialisation goals.
“We are, therefore, closely following developments in advanced nuclear technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), while actively building the institutional, human resource, regulatory and technical foundations required to support a future nuclear power programme,” he said.
Moyo said the country was also strengthening systems to safely handle radioactive materials as it prepares for a possible nuclear energy programme.
“Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to international cooperation and upholding the highest standards of global nuclear safety and security.
“In this regard, we are making significant progress in the sustainable management of disused sealed radioactive sources and anticipate commissioning our centralised Disused Radioactive Sources Management Facility soon.
“This facility represents a decisive step forward in our capacity to safely and securely manage radioactive materials, meeting our national and international obligations while protecting our people and the environment.”
Moyo said Zimbabwe was also involved in international efforts to safely manage radioactive materials.
“Furthermore, we are proud to be an active participant in the IAEA’s “Radium Recycling Initiative”. Zimbabwe is committed to responsibly managing legacy radium sources.”
Meanwhile, Moyo said nuclear technology could also help Zimbabwe tackle challenges in healthcare and agriculture.
“Nuclear science and technology is a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
“As we accelerate efforts to achieve our national Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society, we are increasingly relying on these technologies to solve our most pressing challenges and to champion our development objectives.
“This year’s Scientific Forum theme, ‘Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All,’ deeply resonates with our national priorities. The growing cancer burden in Africa and in Zimbabwe in particular, demands urgent and sustained intervention.
“We are encouraged by the Agency’s leadership in mobilising global partnerships to bridge the cancer care gap, and Zimbabwe remains fully committed to this noble cause.”
Moyo added that Zimbabwe was making progress in restoring radiotherapy services at public hospitals.
“The recent resuscitation of radiotherapy services in our public hospitals is a tangible step forward, and we anticipate further progress through the Rays of Hope initiative to increase access to modern and effective cancer treatment across the country.
“We commend the agency for its continued efforts to deliver tangible impact to member States, with the opening of the first public radiotherapy facility in Malawi being a case in point.
“Beyond human health, the adoption of nuclear techniques in agriculture is helping us enhance productivity and build resilience to food security challenges, especially amid unpredictable climatic conditions,” he said.
All this comes as the Russian novel mega power venture is expected to generate a massive 1 000 megawatts (MW) when it comes on stream.
Speaking to the Daily News — the country’s most influential newspaper — recently, the deputy minister of Energy and Power Development, Yeukai Simbanegavi, confirmed that the government had engaged Russia’s State-owned nuclear energy corporation and one of the largest power generating companies in the world, Rosatom, to assist in the investigations of the feasibility and viability of nuclear energy in the country.
“We have made significant progress in this quest through the cooperation between the Ministry of Energy and Rosatom since the commencement of our engagements.
“We commend Rosatom for its continued support towards Zimbabwe’s nuclear energy development aspirations — particularly in the area of human resource development.
“This is going to change the electricity situation in our country and help to grow our economy.
“Indeed, this will be a massively positive development for our country,” Simbanegavi said, following her recent trip to Russia.
She said Zimbabwe would first have to meet the required regulations and safety standards before moving ahead with uranium exploration and other stages of the programme.
“We have to follow all the regulations first and then get clearance for the feasibility for exploration of uranium.
“For now, we are preparing for the adoption of the programme and alignment of our policies to meet the requirements for adoption by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“The partnership has laid a strong foundation for long-term cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” Simbanegavi further told the Daily News.
She said the plans were also aimed at preparing for rising electricity demand as the country’s population and economy grow.
“All this is about looking into the future energy demand due to our growing population, as well as the expanding industry and agriculture, and technological advancements that include artificial intelligence.
“Adding other energy solutions to our power mix will ensure the country’s energy security.
“Our plans are to start on this initiative as soon as we get approvals on safety and other requirements from the IAEA,” Simbanegavi added.
“There are continuous engagements between the technical teams from both sides to ensure that the roadmap effectively addresses Zimbabwe’s national priorities and provides a practical framework for the implementation of the country’s Nuclear Power Programme and related non-electric applications,” she also said.