The Myths of Nuclear Power

The increasing demand for electricity on the continent coupled with the global pressure to reduce emissions makes nuclear energy an attractive option to many African governments. However, although nuclear power has been touted as the silver bullet to Africa’s power supply crisis, this assertion needs closer examination as most of the arguments in favour of nuclear power fall short of its promise.   The growing interest in nuclear energy generation has prompted the Heinrich Böll Foundation to develop a publication that takes a closer look at nuclear energy from an African perspective and presents emerging information in relation to nuclear energy supply in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.   The following pages outline key myths of nuclear power generation that need to be considered prior to investment in nuclear infrastructure on the continent, and outline alternatives more suitable to meet Africa’s energy needs.