Evaluation of the status of the Ethiopian nuclear infrastructure development

Abstract

Access to modern energy service is a development imperative. Ethiopia is rich in energy resources, but it has not sufficiently exploited them for its economic growth and as a result its socioeconomic development is not satisfactory. Its citizens are energy poor and don’t have sufficient access to modern energy services. As part of its multi-layered activities in the Ten-Year Perspective Plan (TYPP 2021-2030), the current Ethiopian government, in addition to its renewable energy development plans has considered a nuclear power program (NPP) in its energy mix and desires to apply nuclear science and technology in its sustainable development strategies. The country is planning and preparing on infrastructure requirements for effective implementation of the national NPP. This review paper focuses on the role of nuclear science and technology in energy production and sustainable development, and evaluates the status of nuclear infrastructure development in the Ethiopian national nuclear program. The review discusses the main issues in a national nuclear program, nuclear energy management and nuclear knowledge management demands and strategies for its effective application. Knowledge-driven commitment to the nuclear science and technology program in developing countries like Ethiopia can boost economic growth.