Atoms for Africa: Is There a Future for Civil Nuclear Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa?

This paper explores the feasibility of commercial nuclear power in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in light of advanced nuclear technologies and their potential to overcome some of the challenges to deployment. The authors find significant interest in and steady progress toward commercial nuclear power in several sub-Saharan African countries, yet most countries are at least a decade away from breaking ground on their first project. Development organizations that finance energy issues should stay informed about the progress African countries are making on nuclear and should consider the technology in their ongoing discussions around options for increased energy access and generation.