Readiness of Nuclear Energy Development in Uganda

Abstract

This study investigates readiness of nuclear energy development in Uganda. A developing nation like Uganda relies on about 87% renewable energy yet a lot of its power potential remains untapped. Uganda’s energy potential of 41800MW exists abundantly of which 24000MW (57.4%) is nuclear energy potential, developing nuclear would be to explore its greatest potential. The growing global debate of the risks that accrue with the use of fossil fuels such as the existing state of climate change and the unprecedented global warming, many countries, Uganda inclusive, have realized the need to transition to de-carbonized economies. This paper examines and discusses the potential of nuclear energy, considering it as a future energy from the perspective of sustainable development as it would emit less carbon dioxide compared to fossil fuels that also exist in plenty in the country. Comparative analysis with other countries are considered, Uganda’s readiness for safe nuclear energy development is discussed. The paper used a qualitative research methods where document, literature and archival information is analysed with complex data synthesised to give greater meaning. The findings for Uganda’s readiness are mainly embedded in the drivers as well as barriers to nuclear energy that not only affect Uganda but most sub Saharan Africa. Therefore Uganda needs to source for long term financing while assessing the geopolitical risk to develop nuclear power as a clean energy option.