malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Government is considering exploring nuclear power generation as part of efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix.
Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo made the revelation at the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Annual Conference held in Vienna, Australia.
He said, while there are milestones Zimbabwe is expected to meet before commencing nuclear power generation, the country is committed to pursuing that option.
He highlighted the need for Zimbabwe to start realigning its legislative framework, access the relevant technology and train local scientists to ensure safe and efficient development of nuclear energy.
“As we prepare to expand our energy production in the country, we also want to include nuclear energy in our mixture and, as a country, we tabled our commitment (to the IAEA),” said Minister Moyo.
“There are a number of milestones that we need to achieve first if we want to get there (nuclear energy production), but, as a country, we are determined to get there.
“At the conference, we said nuclear energy was for peaceful purposes and should be open to every country that needs it, especially developing countries.”
Minister Moyo also highlighted the potential benefits of nuclear technology beyond electricity generation.
“There are lots of benefits that we can get from peaceful atomic energy production, especially in agriculture,” he added.
“We can have enhanced seed production and, in health, it helps in cancer treatment.”
Zimbabwe is believed to have uranium deposits in the Zambezi Valley, which could be a valuable resource for nuclear power production.
Responding to a question in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, who was acting leader of Government business, said the authorities were exploring the possibility of harnessing nuclear energy.
“The short answer is, it is one of the Government options — nuclear energy — and there is active discussion within Government regarding that. I can add that the Minister of Energy and Power Development was in Vienna, Austria, at the International Atomic Energy Agency Annual Conference and this subject came up for discussion, and Zimbabwe’s position was made clear that it is an option.
“It was made clear that we are considering that, and we have the right to use that aspect of nuclear to ensure that there is adequate electricity.
“More announcements will be made when a firm position has been reached as to what energy mix and what proportion . . . and what it would contribute.”
In 2022, Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) on cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy.
ROSATOM is the largest electricity producer in Russia and has 35 power stations in 12 countries.
Online Reporter