Ethiopia’s Pursuit Of Nuclear Power Estimated To Take Ten Years

Ethiopia’s ambition to introduce nuclear power to its energy mix will take at least a decade to realize, according to statements made by government officials during an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Geneva this week.

Belete Mola, minister of Innovation and Technology, expressed gratitude to the Agency and its Director-General Rafael Grossi for a pledge to support Ethiopia’s plans for nuclear energy over the coming decade.

Following a visit to Addis Ababa in June, the IAEA Director-General announced the Agency would work with the Ethiopian government to introduce nuclear power by 2035 and pledged to supply equipment that will allow Tikur Anbessa, Ethiopia’s oldest and largest public hospital, to offer radiation therapy to cancer patients.

The Agency is already working with the government to operationalize a linear accelerator (LINAC) device from Siemens Health at the hospital.

“This critical help will greatly enhance our nation’s ability to treat cancer, bringing hope to an estimated thousands of patients and their families. The new LINAC machine not only will expand access to up-to-date treatment and reduce waiting lists but also will be a powerful demonstration of how the IAEA mission is changing lives with the spirit of solidarity,” said Belete.

The Director-General disclosed the Agency is partnering with the Ethiopian government on other programs.

“We are also working together through Atoms4Food to improve nutrition across this country of 120 million,” said Grossi.

Belete reaffirmed these ongoing initiatives, and hinted that more nuclear-powered projects are in the pipeline.

“At the 69th IAEA General Conference, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear tech for development—spanning energy, health, agriculture, industry, and the environment—and we called for enhanced IAEA support, in line with PM Abiy Ahmed’s national agenda,” said the Minister.

During his remarks at the conference, Belete stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful nuclear power use.

“Ethiopia is actively committed to peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, in accordance with our national development strategy. Practical steps have been taken by our government to upgrade the institutional framework and regulatory body so that nuclear applications benefit the vital sectors of health, agriculture, energy, and beyond,” he said.

While the government’s efforts to harness nuclear energy are commendable, observers have raised concerns about the potential costs involved and questioned why Ethiopia is considering nuclear power before exploiting abundant renewable energy sources like hydropower, wind, and solar.