China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KENB), a branch of Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya (MEP) for cooperation in respect of nuclear power development in Kenya.
According to the MOU, the both sides would conduct comprehensive cooperation for nuclear power development and construction abilities building based on HPR1000 and its improved reactor design, which includes R&D, construction, operation, fuel supply, nuclear safety, nuclear security, nuclear waste management and decommissioning etc..
The delegation of Kenya is consisted of a plurality of members, including Executive Chairman and CEO of KENB, chief geologist of MEP, members of Parliamentary Committee on Energy, General Director of the Kenya Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). During the visit to China from September 6 to September 11, except the signing of MOU, the delegation of Kenya would investigate the overall capabilities of CGN, such as nuclear power construction, production and operation, scientific and technological research. In addition, the delegation and CGN would also discuss relevant issues, including how to effectively carry out talent training of nuclear power and how to push on nuclear power development in a fast and order manner, as well as making deeper exchange on follow-up cooperation. Besides, the delegation would also discuss government-level cooperation with National Energy Administration (NEA).
It is known that Kenya is a big power and the largest economy entity in East Africa with rich oil and mineral resources, stable politic situation, steady macroeconomic performance, having great attraction to foreign investment. The current installed capacity of Kenya reaches 2 million kilowatts, and the power grids coverage of rural area is only 10% with 30% of the whole country . According to the plan of the government, the installed capacity is estimated to reach 5 million kilowatts in 2016 and the planned installed capacity will up to 17 million kilowatts in 2030. Kenyan government also plans to build 4 million-kilowatt nuclear units in 4 phases before 2030.
KNEB is both a government agency and future nuclear power plant owner, responsible for promoting nuclear power construction in Kenya. In 2012, according to the arrangement of NEA, a delegation led by members of board of directors of KNEB made an inspection tour to CGN, since then, the two sides has always been keeping communication. In May 2015, a delegation of CGN visited Kenya and the two sides reached a basic consensus on cooperation of nuclear power development.
Kenya is an important foothold of China’s strategy of"One Belt and One Road " in Africa, and NEA clearly expressed its attitude to fully support CGN to develop nuclear power projects in Kenya based on HPR1000 and its improved technology. The signing of the MOU marks the landmark movement of CGN to actively implement the policy of "going global" of nuclear power and"One Belt and One Road". CGN will lead a Chinese consortium to develop nuclear power projects in Kenya, making positive contributions to "go global" of China’s nuclear power technology and equipment.