Nigeria’s atomic energy boss underscores need for nuclear energy
By Nuclear energy has been identified as a veritable means by which Nigeria can get out of its perennial electricity shortfall.
Speaking with newsmen on state of affairs as it relates to Nigeria’s quest to diversify its power generation mix with inclusion of nuclear energy, Professor Simon Mallam, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), said nuclear energy remains a veritable means of bridging the gap that exists within the power generation value chain.
It will be recalled that Nigeria and Russia recently signed an agreement for the construction of a nuclear power plant and research centre in Nigeria.
NAEC signed the agreement on behalf of the Nigerian Government; while ROSATOM, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy giant, signed on behalf of the Russian Government.
Underscoring some of the reasons which make nuclear energy favorable when compared with other sources of generating electricity, such as gas fired plants, which Nigeria is heavily dependent on, Mallam pointed out that Nigeria’s gas infrastructure is fraught with challenges borne out of sabotage, occasioned with frequent acts of vandalism.
This, he stressed, had rendered some of the nation’s gas powered electricity generating plants hamstrung.
Mallam further stressed that nuclear energy is more reliable than other sources of renewable energy – such as solar and wind. According to him, solar and wind sources come with their own challenges since they are dependent on weather conditions. Moreover, the sun doesn’t shine at all times of day, thus posing constraints to solar energy.
He however stressed all these forms of energy generation with inclusion of nuclear energy could be made to complement each other. The NAEC boss stressed that this informed government’s decision to pursue a balanced energy mix.
Nuclear energy is also considered as one of the most environmentally friendly source of energy as it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions during the production of electricity as opposed to traditional sources like coal power plants.
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