TBN, St Peterburg: Russia: Tanzania expects to start its first nuclear power plant by 2029, a move that will remove the nation from dependence on conventional energy and enter a new page of reliable energy for the industrial and economic revolution.
This was stated by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan while speaking to journalists who accompanied her on a working visit to Russia recently.
President, Dr. Samia said the government’s goal is to see before 2029, the plant has officially started its operations, with the country determined to use the energy derived from uranium minerals present in the country.
Responding to a question about the first need in nuclear technology, President Dr. Samia said the nation really needs their (Russia’s) experience, in all aspects related to nuclear technology, namely the nation’s planning to use electricity produced by uranium.
Nuclear energy is seen as a key pillar of “reliable energy for development”.
Unlike hydropower sources that are subject to climate change or volatile oil prices, nuclear provides stable baseload power for the continuous operation of heavy industries, transportation systems such as SGR, and modern cities.
This is the foundation of sustainable energy that drives rapid development without stalling.
In the negotiations already held, Tanesco Company has entered into a confidentiality agreement with the Russian company Rostam which has stated that it is ready to enable Tanzanians to have sufficient and reliable electricity.
In achieving the goal of having nuclear energy in accordance with the international agreement for peaceful uses, President Dr. Samia explained that the first priority at present is to build local capacity through education.
He said there is already a group of Tanzanians being trained in nuclear engineering in Russia under the sponsorship of the Mantra Tanzania company, the aim being to have local experts who will understand all the systems and be able to operate the plants even after the foreign experts leave.
In addition to energy, the new agreement also aims to revive technological projects that had been stalled.
President Dr. Samia touched upon the intention to revive nuclear cooperation at the Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), a project that in the past faltered due to challenges from the initial partners, but now Russia is ready to step in and push it forward for peaceful nuclear uses.
