Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) has sent out an international bid for organizations and companies to develop site characterization to build nuclear power plants.
Site characterization is the process of developing an understanding of the geologic, hydrologic, and engineering properties at the site, including the soil, rock, along with groundwater. In many cases, man-modified conditions in the subsurface (e.g., utilities, structures, mines, and tunnels) that can impact site conditions. It also includes the spatial and temporal assessment of contaminants when they are present.
KNEB notes that it has already identified several sites. KNEB is seeking a company that will be able to determine the suitability of such sites against natural disasters, human activity, and general security.
“KNEB’s primary function is to promote and expedite the development of nuclear electricity in Kenya. One of the functions of the Board is to identify appropriate sites in Kenya for the construction of nuclear power plants and related amenities. The Board has already identified potential sites for Nuclear Power Plants in Kenya and is moving to the next stage of site characterization. ”
The consultancy team is expected to comprise a multidisciplinary team of experts who have expertise in, but not limited to, Earth Sciences, Civil/Geotechnical/Nuclear engineers, Environmental specialists, and Meteorology experts registered by the relevant accredited professional bodies.
KNEB is continually engaging stakeholders on nuclear Energy as the country gears towards commissioning its first nuclear power plant in 2027. Some of these partners included Russia’s Rosatom, China CGN, UK ATKINS, Korea’s KEPCO, who demonstrated their experience in the safe management of nuclear power plants to boost the confidence-building and awareness creation on the subject.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in November 2011, initiated a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for Kenya’s Nuclear Power Programme, which was an initial commitment by the Government towards implementation of a Nuclear Programme in the country. The completion of this PFS marks a critical milestone for the nation towards the inclusion of nuclear electricity in the country’s energy mix.
According to the Ministry of Energy, by 2030, Kenya is slated to have installed capacity of 4 GW of nuclear Energy, generating about 19% of Kenya’s energy needs. Meaning that nuclear power would be the second-largest source of Energy in Kenya coming second after geothermal power, which is a clean form of Energy.
