The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) says Zambia’s Nuclear energy programme is advancing well.
Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) National Coordinator, Dr. Rueben Katebe says the programme will be implemented in two (2) phases, with the first being the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology.
Dr. Kateba says the construction of Centre will be done within 3-6 years.
He says the Centre would house a research reactor for production of medical isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, a Gamma Irradiator for food preservation and medical product sterilization among others.
“Am aware that many people usually mixed up on the difference between a Research Reactor and a Nuclear Power Plant” He said.
“Research Reactor was a small unit which can be built within the University of Zambia (UNZA) campus as part of a training tool”
He says other countries have research reactors built within a university and was surrounded by lecture rooms, offices as well as student hostels.
Dr.Kateba further explained that what would be built in Silverest and Chongwe are centers for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) which would house among other facilities, a nuclear research reactor and not a nuclear power plant.
He indicated that the second phase of the nuclear energy programme will involve the construction of a nuclear power plant, which was different from a research centre, for the production of electricity within 10-15 years.
Dr. Kateba says the nuclear power plant, once constructed will add 2,400 MW to Zambia’s energy mix which would translate into reduced load shedding, competitive electricity tariffs, provide an opportunity for electricity export within the region among other benefits.
He added that nuclear power plants are usually constructed near water bodies and far from people and that Government was still in the process of identifying a site for the construction of the power plant.