120
S. Nakanwagi
4.2.3 Nuclear Energy: Merits and Challenges
While nuclear energy is an attractive option in terms of being clean, reliable and cost-effective for the developed world, in Africa, nuclear power
could be the answer to the continent’s energy deficiency.
24 Other advantages of nuclear energy include the low emission of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases and low operating costs.
There is also a direct link between SDG 7 on access to energy and
SDG 13, which requires taking action on combating climate change and
its impacts. Studies also show that access to modern forms of energy is
closely intertwined with and has got a direct bearing on other SDGs. For
instance, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy has a direct impact on
the SDG goals on the eradication of poverty
25 ; eradication of hunger,
food security and sustainable agriculture
26 ; healthy lives
27 ; and gender
equality,
28 among others.
29
However, the nuclear energy industry is a complex one, and it has
got potential grave negative impacts on the environment if not properly managed. By their nature, nuclear activities produce solid, liquid
and gaseous waste with some being radioactive. Besides, atomic installations have a lifespan, and even when they are no longer in operation,
they must stay in a satisfactory safety condition following the proper
standards of dismantling installations. Even so, dismantling operations
produce radioactive waste which has to be managed to avoid the resulting
consequences on both people and the environment.
Furthermore, the risks posed have got the potential to cause transboundary harm or pollution damage to other states. These perils are
graver when it comes to the issue of accidents occurring from nuclear
operations as can be seen from the Chernobyl and the Fukushima
24 Laura Gil, Is Africa Ready For Nuclear Energy? Economic Growth Puts Pressure on Countries
to Go Nuclear, But Hurdles Remain, September 2018, IAEA Office of Public Information and
Communication, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/is-africa-ready-for-nuclear-energy.
25 See SDG 1.
26 See SDG 2.
27 See SDG 3.
28 See SGG 5.
29 See Nalule, V.R., Energy Poverty and Access Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of
Regionalism, 2018. Springer.
S. Nakanwagi
4.2.3 Nuclear Energy: Merits and Challenges
While nuclear energy is an attractive option in terms of being clean, reliable and cost-effective for the developed world, in Africa, nuclear power
could be the answer to the continent’s energy deficiency.
24 Other advantages of nuclear energy include the low emission of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases and low operating costs.
There is also a direct link between SDG 7 on access to energy and
SDG 13, which requires taking action on combating climate change and
its impacts. Studies also show that access to modern forms of energy is
closely intertwined with and has got a direct bearing on other SDGs. For
instance, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy has a direct impact on
the SDG goals on the eradication of poverty
25 ; eradication of hunger,
food security and sustainable agriculture
26 ; healthy lives
27 ; and gender
equality,
28 among others.
29
However, the nuclear energy industry is a complex one, and it has
got potential grave negative impacts on the environment if not properly managed. By their nature, nuclear activities produce solid, liquid
and gaseous waste with some being radioactive. Besides, atomic installations have a lifespan, and even when they are no longer in operation,
they must stay in a satisfactory safety condition following the proper
standards of dismantling installations. Even so, dismantling operations
produce radioactive waste which has to be managed to avoid the resulting
consequences on both people and the environment.
Furthermore, the risks posed have got the potential to cause transboundary harm or pollution damage to other states. These perils are
graver when it comes to the issue of accidents occurring from nuclear
operations as can be seen from the Chernobyl and the Fukushima
24 Laura Gil, Is Africa Ready For Nuclear Energy? Economic Growth Puts Pressure on Countries
to Go Nuclear, But Hurdles Remain, September 2018, IAEA Office of Public Information and
Communication, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/is-africa-ready-for-nuclear-energy.
25 See SDG 1.
26 See SDG 2.
27 See SDG 3.
28 See SGG 5.
29 See Nalule, V.R., Energy Poverty and Access Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of
Regionalism, 2018. Springer.