Reuben Katebe, the National Coordinator of the Nuclear Energy Implementation Organization, said the program was progressing well and would be implemented in two phases, the first being the construction of a science center and nuclear technologies while the second phase will involve the development of a nuclear power plant.
He said in a statement that the construction of the center of nuclear science and technology would be completed in three to six years. Mr. Katebe added that the center would have a research reactor for the production of medical isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and a gamma irradiator for the preservation of food and the sterilization of pharmaceutical products.
According to him, the second phase will see the construction of a nuclear power plant that will have the capacity to produce about 2,400 megawatts of electricity, which will offer the country the opportunity to be always supplied with energy and to export power to other countries in the region.
At the same time, the official, who was part of the Zambian delegation who participated in the Atom exhibition in Russia, said the forum provided an opportunity for the commission to establish business contacts and raise awareness about Zambia’s nuclear program among nuclear energy actors.
