Zambia has been urged to strengthen coordination mechanisms, legal frameworks and regulatory systems as it advances plans to develop nuclear power following an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review of the country’s preparedness.
The recommendation emerged at the close of Phase One of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission where IAEA team leader John Haddad said stronger institutional coordination and oversight would be critical to supporting the country’s nuclear energy ambitions.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said Zambia viewed nuclear power as a strategic component of its long-term energy mix and an important pillar of the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.
He said achieving that goal would require sustained investment in technology, natural resources and human capital, as well as close collaboration among institutions responsible for science, technology and energy development.
Zambia has been exploring nuclear energy as part of efforts to diversify its power generation sources and reduce vulnerability to electricity shortages largely linked to fluctuations in hydropower output.
The country has previously worked with the IAEA on developing technical capacity, regulatory frameworks and infrastructure needed for a future nuclear power programme.
Energy Minister Peter Kapala, in remarks delivered by Director of Energy Mafayo Ziba, said findings from the IAEA mission would help shape the country’s next steps as it develops the infrastructure required for nuclear power generation.
JN/APA