EXPERT WANTS INVESTMENT IN NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

ZAMBIA should adequately invest in sending more students to study nuclear power generation systems as the country is still considering nuclear energy generation in future, energy expert Boniface Zulu has said.

In 2016, Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Russian Government owned nuclear corporation Rosatom, to create a way for the training of nuclear energy engineers, develop a nuclear energy regulator, and the building of a nuclear plant.

Engineer Zulu told The Scoop that in a bid to fully embrace nuclear energy source, it was crucial that there was adequate investment in the education and training of Zambian students in nuclear power generation which would foster technological and scientific advancements.

He said that this would lead to the development of a sustainable workforce capable of maintaining and advancing the country’s nuclear power plants independently without needing constant dependence on foreign expertise.

 “Because it poses a huge risk with regards to any catastrophic accident at the power plant and disposal of radioactive material, nuclear energy is expensive and also requires heavy military presence throughout its course of existence.

“Zambia should prioritize developing its own indigenous experts rather than solely relying on foreign expertise for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants. This approach will ensure the protection of our energy security against foreign influence,” engineer Zulu explained.

He emphasised that by building indigenous expertise, Zambia could secure its energy sector against potential foreign influence which may not always have Zambia’s best interests resulting in potential energy security vulnerabilities.

He however noted that despite the need for indigenous experts, Zambia was currently not fully equipped to commence nuclear power generation as it required adequate technological capabilities, infrastructural upgrades, regulatory frameworks, and international collaboration for training and knowledge exchange.

He said that a gradual and phased approach should be adopted to ensure a smooth transition into this energy alternative.

He added that the establishment of nuclear science and engineering programs within Zambian universities would facilitate the education of students in the field and build the foundation for indigenous expertise.