By Business Insider Correspondent, Vienna
Tanzania is taking significant steps toward introducing nuclear power into its energy mix following high-level talks with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, led Tanzania’s delegation in a meeting with CNNC on the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
Discussions focused on cooperation in developing nuclear energy projects and building local expertise in nuclear science and technology.
“Tanzania has embarked on preparations to generate electricity using nuclear energy, in line with the vision of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, to ensure the country has sustainable, safe and reliable sources of power. We are ready to work with CNNC on this journey,” said Mramba.
He thanked CNNC for its interest in collaborating with Tanzania, noting that investment in nuclear energy is part of the government’s long-term strategy to expand access to sustainable energy.
CNNC, a global leader in nuclear technology with extensive experience in designing and operating nuclear power plants, expressed readiness to support Tanzania in every stage of project development.
The company pledged to assist in capacity building by offering technical training, study visits, and scholarships for postgraduate studies in nuclear fields. This initiative aims to ensure Tanzania develops a pool of skilled professionals to manage and sustain future nuclear energy projects.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Jing Zhang, Director of Technical Cooperation at the IAEA; Eng. Joseph Kirangi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water and Minerals of Zanzibar; Prof. Najat Mohamed, Director-General of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC); and Eng. Innocent Luoga, Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, alongside other nuclear experts. If approved and successfully implemented, the partnership could mark a historic milestone in Tanzania’s energy sector, diversifying power generation sources and bolstering energy security in line with the country’s industrialisation goals.
