Environmental experts urge African journalists to investigate nuclear energy projects

Environmental and energy specialists are calling on journalists across Africa to ramp up investigative reporting on nuclear energy initiatives, highlighting concerns over costly and controversial deals pursued by governments with minimal public oversight.

This urgent appeal emerged during a workshop on proposed nuclear power plants, organized by the Renevlyn Development Initiative and Tipping Point North South, which convened environmental activists, economists, lawyers, and civil society representatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Russia, the UK, and the US.

Participants voiced apprehension regarding what they termed Africa’s escalating “nuclear misadventure,” warning that the continent risks increasing foreign dependency while overlooking its abundant renewable energy resources.

Environmental activist Philip Jakpor emphasized the necessity for journalists to demand transparency from governments, especially in Nigeria, where discussions about nuclear power have spanned nearly two decades. He pointed out that Nigeria entered an agreement with Russia’s state-owned Rosatom in 2007 to develop nuclear facilities projected to produce around 4,800 megawatts by 2035. Jakpor alleged that the communities set to host these projects were not adequately consulted prior to public announcements.

“Nigeria cannot properly secure existing oil infrastructure, yet we are discussing nuclear facilities in a country facing major security challenges,” Jakpor remarked. He noted that journalists and civil society groups have struggled to access crucial information regarding the financing, safety measures, and implementation status of Nigeria’s nuclear plans.

Deborah Burton, author of “Africa’s Nuclear Energy Misadventure,” urged journalists to critically evaluate assertions that nuclear energy offers a clean and affordable solution to the continent’s energy needs. She raised alarms about unresolved issues surrounding radioactive waste, environmental degradation, corruption, and community displacement.

“Africa has 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources, yet attention is shifting toward one of the most expensive and risky energy systems,” Burton stated, emphasizing the need for media scrutiny on long construction timelines, high costs, radiation risks, and geopolitical competition.

Economist Fadhel Kaboub highlighted the importance of contextualizing nuclear agreements within the broader framework of economic sovereignty and international influence. He warned that nations like Russia, China, France, and the US are vying for control over Africa’s future energy landscape.

“Africa is being positioned as the last frontier for a declining nuclear industry,” Kaboub cautioned, asserting that nuclear projects create long-term dependencies on foreign suppliers for essential services.

Activists from Kenya shared their experiences of local campaigns that successfully resisted a proposed nuclear power project. Lance Mbani and Anthony Kingi criticized Kenyan authorities for inadequate public participation and access to information during the planning stages, arguing that the focus should remain on renewable energy expansion.

Zambian campaigner Chansa Kaluba warned that nuclear ambitions could overshadow Zambia’s significant solar and wind resources. Meanwhile, Russian activist Vladimir Slivyak raised concerns about the geopolitical ramifications of nuclear partnerships, describing Rosatom as both an energy entity and a tool for Russian state influence.

“Nuclear is too slow and too expensive for the urgency of Africa’s electricity crisis,” South African activist Makoma Lekalakala added, challenging the notion that nuclear energy can swiftly address energy shortages.

In closing, environmental lawyer Chima Williams urged journalists to utilize investigative reporting tools, including freedom of information laws, to delve deeper into nuclear agreements and procurement processes. “Journalists must rely on facts and legal protections while asking difficult questions,” Williams stated.

With countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, and Morocco expressing interest in nuclear development, and South Africa being the only nation currently operating a commercial nuclear power plant, the call for enhanced journalistic vigilance on these projects has never been more pressing.