By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Ministry of Power has initiated a collaboration with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to explore the integration of nuclear energy into the national grid.
This move is aimed at increasing power generation and ensuring a more stable and reliable electricity supply for Nigerians.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, announced this development last Tuesday during a meeting with the Acting Chairman of NAEC, Anthony Ekedewa, in Abuja.
Adelabu stated that this partnership is a crucial step in the ongoing reforms within the power sector, with the potential to significantly boost power generation and stabilize the electricity supply.
Highlighting nuclear power as an advanced form of energy generation, the minister expressed optimism about the benefits Nigeria could derive from nuclear power plants, particularly with the advanced technology involved, which could streamline power generation processes.
He described the commission’s involvement in the power sector as overdue and pledged to work closely with the agency.
Adelabu, however, advised caution regarding NAEC’s proposal to establish four large-scale power plants, each with a 1200 MW capacity.
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He suggested focusing, instead, on modular nuclear reactors, aligning with the government’s decentralized approach to the power sector, which could also benefit individual states.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria should begin to capitalize on the significant investments made in the commission over the years.
While acknowledging the potentially lengthy and costly nature of developing nuclear power, Adelabu stressed its long-term benefits and recognized nuclear energy as the future of power generation.
He admitted a lack of prior collaboration between the ministry and NAEC but expressed satisfaction in establishing a working relationship aimed at mutual benefit and national progress.
To further solidify this collaboration, the minister proposed a joint workshop involving experts from both the Ministry and NAEC, along with other stakeholders in the power sector, to brainstorm strategies for a sustained and mutually beneficial partnership.
He emphasized that the ongoing power sector reforms create an opportune time for this collaboration, especially with states now developing their own power projects.
Earlier, NAEC Acting Chairman Anthony Ekedewa, briefed the minister on the commission’s activities since its establishment in 1976. He highlighted nuclear energy as a reliable renewable energy source capable of powering the entire country.
Ekedewa outlined NAEC’s proposal to establish nuclear power plants with a total capacity of approximately 1200MW, identifying Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom State as potential sites where feasibility studies have already been conducted.
He noted that while this initiative aligns with the national energy policy, the commission faces resource limitations in undertaking the project independently.
