The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed reservations about the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission’s (NAEC) proposal to construct four large-scale nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, totaling 4,800MW.
While acknowledging nuclear energy as a vital component of Nigeria’s future energy mix, Adelabu cautioned against the immediate implementation of such expansive projects.
During a recent meeting with NAEC officials, Adelabu advocated for the adoption of modular nuclear reactors. He emphasized that these smaller-scale reactors align better with the federal government’s ongoing decentralization efforts in the power sector, allowing individual states to participate more actively in energy generation.
Adelabu highlighted the significant investments already made in NAEC since its establishment in 1976 and stressed the importance of leveraging these investments to benefit the nation’s energy infrastructure. He acknowledged that while nuclear power presents a complex and costly endeavor, its long-term benefits could be substantial for Nigeria’s energy security and sustainability.
NAEC’s Acting Chairman, Engr. Anthony Ekedewa, informed the Minister that feasibility studies have been conducted for potential nuclear plant sites in Geregu, Kogi State, and Idu, Akwa Ibom State. However, he noted that resource limitations currently hinder the project’s advancement.
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