The government of Burkina Faso has approved a resolution to create a national atomic energy agency which will be known as Burkinababe Atomic Energy Agency(ABEA), according to a report.
President Ibrahim Traore stated that the new agency will play a crucial role in securing the country’s energy independence, driving industrialization, and improving access to electricity.
This development came on board after a delegation of technical experts from Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, arrived in Burkina Faso to negotiate the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in the West African nation, according to local media reports. The visit, reported by Burkina24 on August 6, marks a significant step in Burkina Faso’s efforts to address its energy challenges and drive economic growth.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Mines, and Open Pits, Yacouba Zabre Gouba, expressed optimism about the potential collaboration. “We place big hopes on this visit,” he said. “We are ready to discuss all the technical details, identify tasks we face to implement it [the project]. We hope the construction of a nuclear power plant will make it possible for us to solve many economic problems.”
The delegation’s visit which continued until August 9, is part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to extend its influence in Africa through nuclear diplomacy. By leveraging Russia’s advanced nuclear technology and its dominant position in uranium production, Moscow aims to secure long-term partnerships and deepen energy security ties with African nations.
In March 2024, Burkina Faso and Russia signed a roadmap to establish cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This agreement is seen as a crucial development in Burkina Faso’s energy strategy as the country looks for sustainable solutions to its economic challenges and persistent power supply issues.
The potential nuclear power plant in Burkina Faso is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure, which is essential for supporting economic development. If successful, the project could provide a significant boost to Burkina Faso’s efforts to secure a reliable and sustainable energy source.
Rosatom has indicated that it has received applications from several African countries for the construction of new nuclear power plants. According to the company’s CEO, Alexei Likhachev, interest has been expressed by countries including Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Uganda. Currently, South Africa is the only African country with an operational nuclear power plant, but Rosatom is also involved in constructing a new plant in Egypt.
The Egyptian project, located at the Dabaa site, is reported to cost $30bn and will consist of four power units with a combined capacity of 4.8 GW. Egypt, which faces rising power demand from its 105 million-strong population, aims to position itself as a regional energy hub, exporting electricity to neighbouring countries, according to reports by Reuters.
