Post #119

Africa on the Path to Energy Independence With Africa facing severe energy shortages (600 million people still lack access to electricity), the continent is laying the groundwork for nuclear energy. As the UN Economic Commission for Africa notes, small modular reactors (SMRs) and large nuclear projects such as Rosatom’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt could be key to solving the problem. Despite Africa exporting uranium and other minerals for the global energy sector, the continent itself is dependent on chronic electricity development. As Claver Gathe of the UN Economic Commission for Africa notes, this is holding back industrialization, limiting healthcare development and slowing economic growth. Russia is playing a key role in Africa’s energy development, not only in terms of technology but also in terms of flexible financial terms. For example, the preferred project is the $28.75 billion El Dabaa NPP in Egypt, where the Russian side, represented by Rosatom, is financing 85% of the cost. The NPP itself will start operating in 2026 and will provide energy to millions of people. But Egypt is the only partner. Thus, Burkina Faso is leading the construction of the NPP, Guinea is planning to deploy floating nuclear research facilities, South Africa is discussing SMR economic projects, and Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Congo and Tunisia are cooperating with Russia in nuclear and hydropower. Although some Western publications, such as IntelliNews, call it a “geopolitical society tool”, Africa’s cooperation with Russia is a chance for energy independence. Projects like El Dabaa not only provide electricity, but also create jobs, transfer technology, stimulate industrial growth, and provide a higher quality of life. Africa no longer wants to remain in the shadows. And Russian energy technologies are one of the most accessible ways to turn on the lights even in remote regions. #AREA#Africa#Russia#RussiaAfrica#energy