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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The ongoing conflict in Iran has triggered a global energy crisis, prompting nations in Africa and Asia to enhance nuclear power
generation and accelerate atomic energy initiatives in non-nuclear countries across both continents. Countries in Asia, which primarily imported oil and natural gas from the Middle East, have experienced significant disruptions in energy supplies, followed closely by impacts in Africa. The United States and Europe are also grappling with rising energy costs due to the conflict.
Increased Nuclear Output in Existing Plants
African and Asian countries with established nuclear facilities are ramping up their output to secure immediate energy supplies. Concurrently, nations without nuclear capabilities are expediting plans to adopt nuclear technology to mitigate future energy crises caused by fossil fuel volatility.While nuclear power is not an instant solution to the current energy shortages, developing nuclear infrastructure can take decades, especially for newcomers to the field. Long-term commitments to nuclear energy made now are likely to shape the energy strategies of these nations moving forward, according to Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Nuclear Developments in Asia
In Asia, the war has prompted South Korea to increase its nuclear power generation, while Taiwan is reconsidering the restart of its dormant reactors. In Africa, plans to construct new reactors are gaining urgency, with nations like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa expressing strong support for nuclear energy initiatives.Nuclear fission, the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits to release energy, presents an alternative to fossil fuels, as it does not emit carbon dioxide. However, concerns regarding the management of radioactive waste continue to make many countries cautious about nuclear energy, despite its potential benefits.
The Global Nuclear Renaissance
The conflict has expedited a worldwide 'nuclear renaissance,' as nations seek alternatives to the instability of fossil fuel markets. Rachel Bronson of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists noted that as countries navigate these energy challenges, nuclear power is becoming an increasingly viable option.According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, 31 countries currently utilize nuclear energy, which accounts for approximately 10% of global electricity production. Furthermore, an additional 40 nations are either contemplating the adoption of nuclear technology or are in the preparatory stages of building nuclear facilities.
Asia's Energy Strategies
In response to the energy crisis, Asian countries are adopting various strategies, including increased reliance on coal and Russian oil imports. Nations with existing nuclear power plants are striving to maximize the efficiency of their reactors. South Korea, for instance, is enhancing generation capacity and expediting maintenance on five reactors that are currently offline, with plans to restart them in May.Both Taiwan and Japan are reevaluating previous policies that resulted in the closure of nuclear sites following the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Taiwan is contemplating the lengthy process of restarting two reactors, necessitating thorough inspections and safety assessments.
Since the conflict began, Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has signed a $40 billion agreement with the U.S. for reactor development and a nuclear fuel recycling partnership with France, alongside promises of nuclear collaboration with Indonesia. Japan successfully restarted the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, the world's largest nuclear facility, in January.
Nuclear Aspirations in Africa
The surge in energy prices and shortages in Africa, exacerbated by the Iran war, has led to increased public demand for nuclear energy cooperation and renewed interest in long-term nuclear plans across more than 20 African nations.Recognized as a potential growth market for nuclear energy, African nations are being courted by nuclear powers like the U.S., Russia, China, France, and South Korea, who are promoting advanced technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) as solutions to energy shortages.
These compact reactors are viewed as a cost-effective alternative to traditional large-scale plants, although project timelines can still extend over several years. For example, Kenya aims to bring its first SMR online by 2034, having initiated the first phase of its project in 2009.
Geopolitical Competition in Nuclear Development
The energy disruptions have intensified the competition for influence in Africa, particularly between the U.S. and Russia. Russia's Rosatom is constructing Egypt's inaugural reactor and has established cooperation agreements with several African nations, including Ethiopia and Ghana, encompassing major projects and training programs.While only Kenya and Ghana have joined an American-led initiative for modular reactors, the U.S. is actively working to enhance its engagement. A recent nuclear conference sponsored by the U.S. and South Korea in Nairobi emphasized collaborative efforts to develop secure and safe nuclear reactors in Africa.
Evaluating Nuclear Energy Risks
Despite growing interest, the risks associated with nuclear energy, such as potential meltdowns and waste management challenges, remain significant. Ayumi Fukakusa from Friends of the Earth Japan cautioned that nuclear energy entails substantial risks and could perpetuate dependence on imported fuels like enriched uranium.Experts suggest that governments should prioritize the expansion of renewable energy sources to ensure long-term energy security, given the lengthy development timelines associated with nuclear facilities. Bronson highlighted the vulnerability of nuclear plants during conflicts, referencing recent incidents where reactors were targeted in both the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
As countries weigh these risks against the immediate challenges of fossil fuel shortages, the landscape of energy security is evolving, particularly in Asia and Africa, which are experiencing the most acute impacts.
