The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has unveiled it collaboration with the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to explore nuclear science and tech to enhance the generation of electricity in Nigeria.
Prof. Yusuf-Aminu Ahmed, Chairman of the NAEC, revealed this at the 20th Anniversary Symposium of Nigeria’s NNR-1 in Zaria.
However, Ahmed clarified that the project timeline wouldn’t be public knowledge, but emphasized the close collaboration between international partners, vendors, and the commission.
He further noted the signing of intergovernmental agreements with select vendors for Nigeria’s nuclear power initiative, with President Tinubu poised to make an imminent announcement on the matter.
Nuclear Science, Nuclear Technology and Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear science is the field of study concerned with the nucleus of the atom, its constituents and behavior. It delves into the forces that hold the nucleus together, the ways it can be changed, and the energy that can be released from those changes.
Nuclear technology, on the other hand, is the application of this scientific knowledge. It utilizes the properties of atomic nuclei to create new materials, generate energy, and for medical applications.
How will nuclear science and nuclear technology enhance Electricity generation in Nigeria? This is where Nuclear Power Plant is brought up.
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity. In this process, a heavy nucleus is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to create steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.