There has been widespread interest in the development of civil nuclear programs in Africa. Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, has never been viewed as a robust market for nuclear power, at least partly because conventional plants are perceived as too costly and inflexible to be practical. However, with the emergence of SMRs and advanced reactors, nuclear is increasingly being considered as a feasible option to address regional energy needs. Certain advanced nuclear designs are particularly suited to meet Africa’s unique energy, water, and industrial needs. High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) can supply high temperatures for both industrial and desalination processes. Moreover, HTGRs do not require co-location with bodies of water for cooling, allowing for versatile siting. Smaller reactor designs are also cheaper in absolute terms and can be deployed in off-grid areas or regions with limited grid infrastructure. At present, Russia and China appear to have an advantage in the emerging African civil nuclear market. Nevertheless, technological advancements, new business models, and international cooperation may accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy in Africa and assist with competing against Russian and Chinese vendors.
