Nuclear for Africa?

So Japan restarted its second nuclear reactor yesterday to avoid a major blackout, following the shutdown of all 54 of its nuclear reactors in May, as demand for power and a record trade deficit overwhelmed opposition to nuclear energy.

Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis in Japan last year, nuclear safety has been catapulted into the spotlight and the country — which generated 25% of its energy through nuclear technology — has been struggling to meet demand. Furthermore, nuclear capacity is due to expand in East Asia by 125% to 185% by 2035.

But what does his mean for Africa? The French, Russians and Chinese are all eagerly waiting to develop nuclear facilities in Africa. The French Atomic Energy agency, for one, has just concluded a visit with South African officials seeking collaboration with government and energy officials. Rosatom, a Russian nuclear group has recently opened an office in South Africa.

So what does of of this mean for Africa? Only time will tell.