from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA is accelerating its transition to nuclear power as droughts cripple its hydropower-dependent grid, causing losses of up to 3% of GDP.
A Self-Evaluation of Nuclear Infrastructure workshop in Kafue this week advanced plans outlined in the National Energy Policy (2019) and National Nuclear Policy (2020).
“Hydropower contributes over 80% of our electricity, but climate variability has left us vulnerable,” said Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science.
Zambia is considering a 1,000MW nuclear plant to provide stable baseload electricity. A nuclear law and international safety treaties are under review in Parliament, while the 2026 budget allocates funds for infrastructure, training, and community engagement.
Officials are engaging private partners and global financiers to sustain long-term investment.
– CAJ News