Uganda expects to start generating at least 1,000 MW from nuclear power by 2031 as it moves with other sub-Saharan African nations to diversify its sources of electricity and accelerate its energy transition, a key part of its response to climate change.

The first nuclear project, the two-unit Buyende nuclear power station, would be at Buyende, about 150 km north of the capital Kampala, energy and minerals minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu told the media during an address on the African Nuclear Business Platform, which begins in Kampala on 14 March.

“Preparation to evaluate the Buyende nuclear power plant site is ongoing to pave the way for the first nuclear power project expected to generate 2,000 MW, with the first 1,000 MW to be connected to the national grid by 2031,” she said.

She said electricity generation from hydro, biomass, geothermal and peat, if fully developed, cannot meet Uganda’s 2040 targets.