Zimbabwe is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russian investors to establish nuclear energy as part of its efforts to end chronic power shortages.
This was said by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, during a press briefing on Thursday.
Moyo said Zimbabwe has expressed its interest in nuclear power to the IAEA and aims to develop small, modular reactors. Said Moyo (<a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabwe-to-work-with-russia-iaea-to-establish-nuclear-energy/7916424.html">via VOA</a>):
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They have indicated their willingness to take us through paces until we get there.
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Joseph Siegle, the director of research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, told VOA that establishing nuclear power is both expensive and complex.
He said the Zimbabwean government should thoroughly study the lasting impact of nuclear waste disposal. Said Siegle:
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[This] has always been a concern with nuclear energy — what you do with the waste, which requires some 10,000 years for the radioactive elements to decay and not pose a health risk to society.
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Zimbabwe aims to have 4,000 megawatts of power capacity by 2035, ending years of power cuts that can last up to 18 hours a day.
Speaking at a media briefing, Gloria Magombo, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, said Zimbabwe plans to increase the use of renewable energies like solar and wind, alongside hydropower, due to recurring droughts. Said Magombo:
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We are looking at coming in by 2030 with up to about 2,000 megawatts.
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According to the government, Zimbabwe’s power generation capacity is approximately 2,600 megawatts. However, actual daily generation is currently less than half of that.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Zimbabwe wants to use nuclear energy with help from IAEA and Russian investors to fix power problems. They aim to have more power by 2035. However, nuclear power is costly and complicated. They also plan to use solar and wind energy to help. The government says they don't have enough power now, so they need to make more. They must also think about safely disposing of nuclear waste.

Zimbabwe To Work With IAEA And Russian Investors To Develop Nuclear Energy, Says Energy Minister

Zimbabwe has engaged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to explore the potential for establishing nuclear power plants in the country.
Despite having significant coal deposits, Zimbabwe has struggled to meet its growing electricity demands due to a lack of investment in thermal power stations over the years.
The nation has been heavily reliant on the Kariba Hydro Power Plant, which has an installed capacity of 1,050 MW.
However, power generation at the Kariba plant has been severely limited by recurrent droughts that have affected water levels.
During a recent Question and Answer session in the National Assembly, Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo said that the government is engaging the IAEA to explore prospects of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Said Moyo (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-zambia-explore-kariba-floating-solar-project/">The Herald</a>):
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As Zimbabwe, we have expressed our interest to the IAEA our desire to get into nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. They are with us and they are taking us through.
Committees have been set up, which are looking into that and there are milestones that we have to meet as a country before we get to the stage of developing small modular reactors so that our contribution of clean energy mix is heightened.
So, we hope these are some of the things, programmes and projects which are going to increase our contribution to the energy mix of clean energy.
</blockquote>
Nuclear power generates minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, making it an appealing option for mitigating climate change impacts.
Nuclear fuel boasts a high energy density, meaning that a small quantity can produce a substantial amount of energy, thereby decreasing the demand for extensive fuel resources.
However, high-profile accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have heightened public concerns regarding the safety of nuclear power plants and the potential for catastrophic incidents.
Furthermore, the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive waste poses a significant challenge, necessitating secure and effective long-term storage solutions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe wants to use nuclear power to make more electricity because there is not enough. They are asking for help from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Kariba Hydro Power Plant does not work well because of droughts. Nuclear energy is good because it does not create as many greenhouse gases. But some people are worried about accidents and how to get rid of the waste. The government is talking to the IAEA to learn more and find ways to use nuclear energy in a safe way.

Zimbabwe Considers Nuclear Energy To End Load Shedding

Zimbabwe has pledged its commitment to nuclear safety and security by depositing legal instruments and therefore becoming a party to various international treaties under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda handed over the instruments to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at a short ceremony held as part of the annual Treaty Event alongside the 65th Regular Session of the General Conference today, Monday 20 September 2021. Said Gross:
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These legal instruments embody the commitment of your country to do the right thing. We must acknowledge Zimbabwe as a nation coming to the IAEA and saying that it is going to be part of a system of collaboration, of cooperation in cases of nuclear accidents, international assistance when it comes to the protection of nuclear material.
We are ready to help Zimbabwe, to keep giving your country the assistance that it needs. This Agency is for everybody who needs improvement in cancer therapy, agriculture, water management, so many aspects that nuclear science can improve the lives of Zimbabwe’s citizens.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe, which uses nuclear technologies in health, agriculture and research, joined the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-safety-conventions/convention-early-notification-nuclear-accident">Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident</a>, the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-safety-conventions/convention-assistance-case-nuclear-accident-or-radiological-emergency">Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency</a>, the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/publications/documents/conventions/convention-physical-protection-nuclear-material-and-its-amendment">Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM)</a>, as well as the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-safety-conventions/joint-convention-safety-spent-fuel-management-and-safety-radioactive-waste">Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management</a>.
The Head of the Zimbabwean Delegation will be also signing the Additional Protocol to the country’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement in the presence of IAEA’s Director-General on Tuesday. Zhemu said:
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Zimbabwe fully supports the work of the IAEA in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, several aspects of which have been incorporated within the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy (2021-2025) and our broader Vision 2030 – the development trajectory which will lead to the attainment of upper-middle-income status by the year 2030.
For many years now, Zimbabwe has enjoyed a productive and much appreciated cooperative relationship with the IAEA and has benefited immensely from technical cooperation, guidance and advice across a broad range of issues.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/zimbabwe-joins-four-multilateral-treaties-in-nuclear-safety-and-security">IAEA</a></h4>

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