Nigeria's Quest for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: Embracing SMRs

Nigeria's pursuit of nuclear energy has been marked by significant developments, and its commitment to establishing a robust nuclear energy program. In particular, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are one of the options that Nigeria is considering to introduce to its energy mix. This article delves into Nigeria's journey towards adopting SMRs as part of its nuclear energy program, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities associated with this endeavor.

Nigeria's Nuclear Energy Regulatory Framework

In 1995, Nigeria promulgated the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 19, establishing the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) as an independent regulatory body responsible for nuclear safety and radiological protection regulations in the country. This legislation empowers the NNRA to provide training, information, and guidance on nuclear safety and radiation protection, categorize and license activities involving ionizing radiation exposure, and create regulations for various aspects of nuclear activities.

In a significant step, the Act has been reviewed and expanded to encompass nuclear safety, security, and safeguard regulations, covering all aspects of the nuclear power program. Following public hearings, the Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguard Bill is currently awaiting passage into law by the National Assembly.

The NNRA's mission includes developing the regulatory infrastructure necessary for Nigeria's nuclear power program to meet international standards and best practices. Moreover, the NNRA is working on establishing the regulatory framework for a National Nuclear Power Program, focusing on safety, security, and cooperation with international stakeholders.

Nigeria's Energy Master Plan and Policy

In Nigeria, a comprehensive National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) has been developed to translate the provisions of the National Energy Policy (NEP) into implementable projects. The NEMP outlines various activities and programs, complete with timelines, to achieve the desired objectives, including the introduction of nuclear energy in Nigeria's energy mix.

Furthermore, an Inter-Ministerial Committee on energy resources was established by the government in April 2004. This committee concluded that nuclear power should be introduced into the national electric power generation mix, emphasizing the importance of diversifying energy sources to meet growing demands.

According to the NEMP, "the contribution of nuclear energy to the national electricity grid is projected to start with 1000MWe by 2025 and to be increased within an interval of five years to 4000MWe by 2030." The timeline might have been delayed but this demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to scaling up nuclear energy within its energy landscape.

The Revised National Energy Policy (NEP) in 2022 contains provisions that underscore the nation's commitment to promoting the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The policy emphasizes paying adequate attention to safety, security, and safeguard issues in the pursuit and operation of nuclear programs.

Additionally, the NEP highlights the need for continuously strengthening all institutional frameworks, both legal and legislative, to ensure their effective implementation. The nation is also committed to facilitating and sustaining cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international stakeholders in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Current Infrastructure and International Cooperation

Nigeria possesses a 34kW research reactor at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) and various open radioactive sources for research. Additionally, the country has invested in three 14 MeV Neutron Generators, an 8 MeV van de Graff accelerator, and a tandem accelerator.

NNRA has been actively seeking partnership with international stakeholders as it signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for cooperation with key nuclear organizations and countries, including the U.S. National Regulatory Commission (NRC), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the European Commission, South Africa's National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), and several others. Additionally, NNRA is discussing potential MOUs with regulators in Morocco and Belarus.

Nigeria's Interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Nigeria, like several other African nations, is exploring the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for its future nuclear energy program. SMRs hold the promise of being more cost-effective, quicker to construct, scalable, and flexible, making them well-suited for countries like Nigeria.

Despite the enthusiasm for SMRs, there is a prevailing sense of dissatisfaction among African countries regarding the level of engagement of global SMR developers. African nuclear stakeholders demand more outreach from SMR vendors to share about their technologies and potential ways of cooperation. This lack of direct information on technology, localization plans, regulatory approaches, and commercialization timelines further complicates the adoption of African countries to SMRs.

International Collaboration in SMRs

In light of these challenges, a trilateral collaboration (FIRST) between Ghana, the United States, and Japan has emerged. Nigeria has expressed its interest in joining this initiative, recognizing its significance as a crucial first step in deploying SMRs in African countries.

To ensure the success of this venture, there is a growing need for nuclear-matured countries, such as the United States, to take a leadership role in shaping the African SMR nuclear landscape. This involves actively engaging with African nations, addressing their specific concerns, and facilitating knowledge transfer and cooperation.

Moreover, the SMR Regulators' Forum and the IAEA's Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) should extend invitations to more African countries, making them active members of all Technical Working Groups. This would enable African nations to have a say in the development and standardization of SMR technologies.

Challenges and Solutions

Nigeria's journey towards adopting SMRs is not without its challenges. Public acceptance, high capital costs, limited human resources, and the absence of comprehensive nuclear laws are some of the key obstacles. To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is essential.

1. Public Acceptance: The NNRA has allocated a budget for educating Nigerian youth on nuclear energy. Public engagement through lectures, workshops, and symposia can help raise awareness and educate the public on the benefits of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and the safety measures in place.

2. Funding: SMRs offer a solution to the high capital costs associated with traditional nuclear reactors. Their shorter construction timeline allows for quicker deployment and results, making them more attractive for investors.

3. Human Resources: Collaboration with the IAEA and competent regulatory bodies can help develop and improve the competencies of staff. This will ensure that Nigeria has the necessary expertise to manage its nuclear program effectively.

4. Legal Framework: The establishment of a comprehensive Nuclear Energy Law is crucial. This law should clearly outline the responsibilities and independence of regulatory bodies and other stakeholders, ensuring a solid legal foundation for the nuclear energy program.

Conclusion

Nigeria's journey towards embracing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of its nuclear energy program reflects the nation's commitment to sustainable and reliable energy sources. The challenges faced are substantial, but with the right international collaborations, public engagement, and legislative framework, Nigeria is well-positioned to achieve its goals and contribute to the growing global interest in SMRs as a cleaner and more accessible energy solution. The nation's determination to harness the potential of nuclear energy demonstrates its dedication to meeting the energy needs of its growing population and contributing to the broader energy landscape.