Sudan poised to become a nuclear atomic energy state

Sudan is set to sign a preliminary agreement with Russia that could make the East Africa nation a nuclear atomic energy state by the end of this year, the Minister of Electricity revealed yesterday.

Speaking at a news conference after opening a workshop in Khartoum, Motaz Musa, who is also the minister of irrigation and water resources, stressed that Sudan would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with Russia to explore ways of using atomic energy to harness electricity.

The minister said the memorandum would make it possible for a comprehensive agreement to be reached which would mean that a nuclear station could be established in Sudan by the end of 2017.

“The workshop aims at cooperation in the field of capacity building, transfer of knowledge and the exchange of experience as well as benefiting from Russia’s know-how in small hydroelectric power plants on seasonal rivers,” he added.

In 2012, Sudan informed the International Atomic Energy Agency of its intention to pursue nuclear technology that would generate electricity and would meet the increase demand of the country’s growing population.

Last year, Sudan also signed a deal with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to increase its current 3,000 megawatt annual power generation significantly over the next few years. The latest deal forms part of Sudan’s 2017-2031 strategic plans to diversify energy resources