Russian agency roots for nuclear energy mix

Rosatom state corporation's exhibition stand PHOTO:COURTESY

A Russian agency has urged Kenyans to embrace nuclear energy, saying it would be a critical source of stable electricity for the country.

Rosatom, the Russian Government nuclear energy agency, said bringing nuclear energy into the Kenyan electricity mix would minimise the shocks that the country experiences because of an over-reliance on a few power production sources.

Geothermal and hydroelectricity contribute over 90 per cent of power consumed in Kenya. While geothermal has been a steady generator, hydro is susceptible to dry spells that usually result in the country going back to costly thermal generators.

Rosatom Regional Vice President for sub-Saharan Africa Viktor Polikarpov said nuclear energy would enable the country increase the diversity of its energy mix and in turn allow the country tap into its growth potential.