Public Perception of Nuclear Energy in Africa: Addressing Safety Concerns for 15 GW by 2035 (A Critical Priority)
Nuclear energy offers a promising solution to Africa’s persistent energy deficit, providing a reliable, low-carbon option for powering the continent's industrialization and development. However, despite the benefits, public perception of nuclear energy remains a critical challenge, largely influenced by concerns over safety, misinformation, and a lack of understanding about the technology. Addressing these concerns is not only important for the successful implementation of nuclear energy programs but essential for building the trust of local communities, who are often the most affected by decisions regarding energy infrastructure. To this end, public engagement, education, and transparent communication are key tools that governments and stakeholders must use to change perceptions, dispel myths, and foster a supportive environment for nuclear energy in Africa.
The Importance of Public Engagement in Nuclear Energy
Several African countries have already recognized the importance of public engagement in overcoming safety concerns. South Africa, with the only operational nuclear power plant on the continent, has taken significant steps to engage with the public and ensure that safety concerns are addressed. The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and Eskom, the country’s largest electricity provider, hold formal public hearings and regularly organize Public Safety Information Forums to engage local communities, industry stakeholders, labor unions, media, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including those opposed to nuclear energy. These efforts are complemented by public outreach programs in schools and local governments in areas near potential nuclear sites. In addition, South Africa's Department of Energy (DOE) holds annual seminars for journalists on nuclear issues, and Eskom offers media training programs for its nuclear spokespersons to ensure clear and accurate communication. To monitor public opinion over time, the DOE also plans to conduct recurring polls in targeted communities, providing valuable data on trends in public attitudes toward nuclear energy.
Ghana, another African nation advancing in nuclear energy development, has also been proactive in addressing public concerns. The Ghana Nuclear Power Program Organization and Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to foster greater public awareness and education on nuclear energy. This partnership aims to encourage journalists to focus on nuclear energy's potential for industrial and economic growth, positioning Ghana as a future energy hub. On the ground, the Ghanaian government has actively engaged with local chiefs, traditional councils, and community leaders to build strong public support. Prof. Benjamin Nyarko, Board Chairman of Nuclear Power Ghana, has emphasized the importance of this engagement, stating that community involvement is critical to gaining public trust and promoting transparency. This approach not only alleviates public fears but also empowers communities to participate in the decision-making process.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has earmarked funds specifically for public education, focusing particularly on the country’s youth. Through lectures, workshops, and symposia, the NNRA aims to educate the public about the advantages of nuclear power plants and the stringent safety measures in place to prevent accidents. This targeted approach helps create a well-informed public that can differentiate between the benefits of nuclear energy and the myths often associated with it, such as the conflation of nuclear energy with nuclear weapons.
Kenya provides another example of proactive public engagement, especially in the early stages of nuclear energy planning. The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) has been involved in comprehensive stakeholder education initiatives, particularly in regions where nuclear site identification is underway, such as Kilifi County. In early 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a mission in Kenya to discuss the country’s Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, demonstrating Kenya's commitment to involving the public at every stage of its nuclear development process. Despite some protests in Kilifi, rooted in misconceptions linking nuclear energy to atomic bombs, and fears that it will spook tourists, Kenya's efforts to educate local communities and build trust are critical steps in dispelling these fears.
While these examples illustrate the progress being made, the challenges of public perception are far from resolved. In many rural regions, where misinformation about nuclear energy is prevalent, local populations often view nuclear power with suspicion. This is compounded by a lack of understanding about the benefits nuclear energy can bring, such as increased energy security, economic development, and industrialization. To overcome these barriers, African governments need to implement more comprehensive and sustained public awareness campaigns. These campaigns should include clear, factual information about nuclear energy's safety and environmental benefits, emphasizing its role in addressing energy poverty and driving economic growth. Additionally, governments should create platforms for open dialogue, where communities can express their concerns and receive direct answers from nuclear experts.
Moreover, education should not be limited to just raising awareness. Long-term strategies, such as integrating nuclear science and energy topics into national education curricula, could help build a more informed future generation that understands and supports nuclear energy. Partnerships with media organizations, as seen in Ghana, and training programs for journalists, as practiced in South Africa, can help ensure that the public receives accurate and unbiased information about nuclear energy.
Key Approaches to Effective Stakeholder Engagement in Africa
Clear Understanding and Involvement: Effective nuclear energy engagement requires clarity on goals, desired support, and limitations, particularly in areas like construction, safety, and waste management. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD NEA) and IAEA stress involving stakeholders in decision-making, with the IAEA offering practical guidance for developing engagement programs.
Independent Oversight: Independence in nuclear projects is essential for safety assessments. This is evident in the guidelines provided by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) for independent oversight, ensuring objective and independent assessments of safety performance across an organization.
IAEA’s Five Key Principles: Adopting the IAEA's Five Key Principles is essential for successful engagement in nuclear projects. These principles, which include establishing trust, ensuring accountability, promoting transparency, engaging in early and regular consultations, and communicating the advantages and risks of nuclear technology, provide a clear framework for developing and executing a robust stakeholder engagement program.
Consent-Based Site Selection: Adopting a consent-based approach for siting new nuclear facilities, including participatory selection and community compensation, ensures successful implementation. This requires time and financial resources but strengthens community relationships.
Socio-Technical R&D Integration: Integrating public engagement into the R&D process, giving equal weight to socio-technical aspects alongside technological advancements from innovation to operation, is critical.
Innovative Risk Communication: Vendors should adopt social science-based risk communication strategies, respecting community concerns throughout the nuclear plant's lifecycle, not just during construction.
Visitor Centers and Meetings: Establishing visitor centers and holding regular community meetings is crucial for successful stakeholder engagement, as suggested by Robert Holy of Slovenské elektrárne, particularly at the early stages of project development.
In conclusion, addressing the public perception of nuclear energy in Africa is not just a necessity—it is the linchpin for the continent’s nuclear energy ambitions.As the continent sets an ambitious goal of 15 GW of operational nuclear capacity by 2035. The examples from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya illustrate that with proper public engagement, education, and transparent communication, governments can build the trust needed to drive nuclear energy projects forward. Dr. Lassina Zerbo, Chairman of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, aptly emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, “The more public awareness we create and the more we share news about nuclear developments, the better the dynamics will become.” By fostering a well-informed public, African nations can harness the full potential of their nuclear programs to boost energy security, reduce reliance on imported energy, and accelerate industrialization, lifting millions out of poverty. However, this journey requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that safety concerns are addressed, and the public is made an active participant in Africa's nuclear future.
