Steps towards Nuclear Power Regulator in Kenya

Transcription

1 Steps towards Nuclear Power Regulator in Kenya Radiation Protection Board December, 2017, Hammamet, Tunisia

2 Outline 1 Introduction 2 Steps towards nuclear power regulator 3 Interest, Decision-making & Challenges 4 Conclusion 1

3 Introduction Background The first radiation protection law in Kenya was passed in 1948 The law, was referred to as the Radiological Protection Ordinance The ordinance established the Radiological Protection Board (RPB) 2

4 Introduction Background The current law is the Radiation Protection Act, Cap 243. Amended in 2014 It was passed by parliament on 29/Nov/1982 It came into force on 1/Nov/1984 Subsidiary legislations, Legal Notices No. 54 and 55, were published on 13/April/1986 3

5 Introduction Vision and Mission VISION: To be an effective, efficient and sustainable regulatory system for the peaceful and safe of atomic energy. MISSION: To regulate the peaceful use of atomic energy through provision of nuclear safety and security culture for the protection of persons, society and the environment against radiation 4

6 Steps Towards Nuclear Power Regulator Establishment of Nuclear Electricity Project Committee in 2010 Predecessor of KNEB. Whose mandate among others: Assist in coming up with a legalisation and regulatory framework for support of nuclear power Human resource development for support of Nuclear Power programme 7

7 Steps Towards Nuclear Power Regulator Legal and Regulatory Framework The country hosted Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) and Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) Missions in 2015 and 2016 respectively One of the issues addressed was legal and regulatory framework Multi-agency cooperation has resulted to the Nuclear Regulatory Bill The process was spearheaded by RPB & KNEB 7

8 Steps Towards Nuclear Power Regulator Legal and Regulatory Framework The process involved getting comments and input from the IAEA A stakeholders consultative meeting was held on 7/March/2017 Comments from stakeholders and Office of Legal Affairs - IAEA, recommendations and suggestions from INIR and IRRS Missions will be incorporated into the bill 7

9 Steps Towards Nuclear Power Regulatory Human Resource Development The Government has been sponsoring 15 students annually for post graduate studies in Nuclear Science at University of Nairobi Collaboration with the South Korean Government has led to training of Kenyans at KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Regulatory staff are among the beneficiaries. IAEA has assisted in Human capacity development 7

10 Steps Towards Nuclear Power Regulator Human Resource Development RPB is a member of the Forum for Nuclear Regulator Bodies in Africa (FNRBA). The regulatory staff have been involved in exchange of experience and knowledge on forums hosted by FNRBA, such as; Thematic Working Group on Regulatory Infrastructure for Nuclear Power Plants RPB, in collaboration with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has also hosted workshops on support of enhancing the regulatory infrastructure. Areas included: siting, regulation of NPP etc. 7

11 Current Energy capacity Capacity YEAR Demand Capacity ,500 MW 3,000 MW ,000 MW 19,200 MW Projected capacity in % by 2031 SOURCE Capacity (MW) Capacity (%) Geothermal 5, Nuclear 4, Others e.g. Hydro, wind, imports, coal etc 8,000 45

12 Energy capacity Kenya has great potential in the geothermal sphere, accounting for 7 of the 15 GW of potential geothermal energy in Africa. It is the world s 8 th largest producer of geothermal energy. Additionally, high subsurface temperatures make it cheaper to produce geothermal energy. Kenya s national geothermal potential is estimated between 7,000 to 10,000MW. Overall Projected energy capacity is 19,200MW by 2030

13 Interest in SMRs Shorter construction time Low capital cost Easier financing strategy Safety and reliable base load Reduced emergency planning zone Site flexibility Clean energy Economic diversification and job creation

14 Decision Making Progress Overview of the Nuclear Regulatory Bill The Bill contains provisions not found in the current law: Nuclear Security Radioactive Waste and spent fuel Management Transport of radioactive material Decommissioning Safeguards Including sustainability 7

15 Cont Decision making Progress The Bill has taken into consideration suggestions and recommendation of the INIR & IRRS Missions, and co mments from the office of Legal Affairs-IAEA and local stakeholders. The Bill meets the international standards of regulation, so as to ensure Nuclear safety and security

16 Challenges Lack Regulatory a framework Nuclear regulatory bill currently under review, No licensing experience Public acceptance on nuclear technology Physical security Lack of Political goodwill from the government Design selection as a new comer Economic competitiveness Comparing SMR cost Vs other forms of production e.g. Geothermal Inadequate human resource

17 Conclusion Kenya Nuclear electricity Board (KNEB) are currently in high level consultative engagement with the current regulator, Radiation Protection Board and Government, to charter a way forward towards establishing NPP in which SMR technology will factor in as the best way to realize a Nuclear program in Kenya.

18 SHUKRAN