The current nuclear energy revival got a significant boost last month at the International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy in Paris, France.
African delegates from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia attended to share ideas on promoting peaceful and responsible use of nuclear power through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
While eight African countries already 
have operational nuclear reactors, including research reactors, South Africa is the only country on the continent that has pressurised water reactors producing electrical power. Research reactors do not generate electricity and are much smaller and simpler than reactors at electrical power plants.
An increasing number of African states, such as Ghana, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda, have stated that they are considering nuclear energy options. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), responsible for promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology, is providing nuclear energy development assistance to Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia.
In addition, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia have signed agreements with France to cooperate on nuclear energy, while Egypt recently reactivated its previously dormant agreement with France.
In Paris, Namibian Mines and Energy Minister, Erkki Nghimtina, stated that the country had “made a decision to build a nuclear power plant” in the next 15 to 20 years to diversify its energy mix. Namibia is already developing a legal framework for nuclear energy.
Morocco's Energy, Mines, Water and Environment minister likewise explained that Morocco was struggling to meet current energy needs and wanted to incorporate nuclear energy.
While nuclear energy options gain popularity in developing countries, Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director-General of the IAEA warns, “it's one thing to talk about nuclear power, another thing to move forward with a programme”. Trevor Findlay of the Canadian Center for Treaty Compliance (CTCC), said nuclear reactor projects were expensive and risky, with reactor prices now in the region of US$ 4-b to 10-b each.
Findlay also warns African countries to consider these economic factors:
· High risk profile
· High up-front costs and capital interest rates
· High overnight cost rise compared to coal, natural gas and renewable energy technology
· Deregulated electricity markets force nuclear technology into a level playing field
· Nuclear is slow, large, inflexible, prone to construction delays and cost overruns
· Slow industrial learning rates compared to renewable energy.
A popular argument in favour of nuclear energy is the lack of greenhouse gas emissions, however, nuclear is a relatively static technology, and current 'green' subsidies favour renewable energy sources.
Nuclear waste disposal, 60 years into nuclear applications, remains an unresolved political problem.
Special challenges to developing countries pursuing nuclear energy, include governance issues, related infrastructure, and long-term finance.
International lenders like the World Bank, currently oppose nuclear energy projects.
In Paris, French president Nicolas Sarkozy urged lenders to change their policies. World Bank spokesperson Richard Morier protested again about high capital costs, but conceded that they would re-examine policies if a certain number of members prompted that.
Complexity of nuclear energy development is likewise clear from the recent pebble bed technology development funding drain, stalemate, and skills drain.
African states wanting to play along with the need of developed countries for local uranium, in return for technology and finance, have to start their planning years ahead.
Holger Rogner, head of the IAEA's planning section, commented; “Twenty years from now, many African countries may be ready for it.” It is uncertain whether African countries have the political will, skills, money, and time to play and win at the nuclear development game. Some may find it more profitable to mine and sell uranium for more direct benefits, like foreign currency and more basic infrastructure.
* Amelia Broodryk is a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria.
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