Demand for electricity across Africa will grow many times over by 2050. Nuclear power is a potential source of clean power to drive industrialization and grow incomes, especially with new smaller, safer, and more flexible designs expected to come to the market over the next decade.

Solar, hydro, wind, and gas are the most common options for African countries to meet their energy needs, yet several are increasingly interested in adding advanced nuclear power to their mix. South Africa already operates a nuclear power plant, and Ghana has recently signed nuclear cooperation agreements with the United States and Japan.

Third Way and Energy for Growth Hub have been mapping the global market for advanced nuclear over the last few years, tracking both projected energy demand growth to midcentury and various metrics on civil nuclear “readiness” for countries around the world.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted energy supply chains and raised financing costs across the world, creating major headwinds for both fossil fuels and renewables.

Source: An artist rendering of the 1.5MW Oklo Aurora powerhouse (Image: Gensler) Microgrids are increasingly deployed to expand energy access in energy-poor countries, and even in remote areas of high-income countries.