Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO, Justus Wabuyabo, speaks at the ministerial launch of the Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative in Washington, DC./HANDOUT
Kenya is exploring new applications of civilian nuclear technology in the maritime sector as it seeks to strengthen its clean-energy options and unlock opportunities in the growing Blue Economy.
The country’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO, Justus Wabuyabo, is leading a Kenyan delegation at the ministerial launch of the Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative in Washington, DC.
The initiative, spearheaded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), seeks to develop international legal, regulatory and safety frameworks for the use of nuclear technologies at sea.
It focuses particularly on the potential deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in commercial shipping and floating offshore nuclear power plants.
The discussions bring together governments, nuclear industry players, regulators and technology companies as countries assess how emerging nuclear technologies could be safely deployed beyond conventional land-based power generation.
The launch featured IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who highlighted the potential of nuclear technology to support the maritime sector while addressing the need for strong international safeguards.
Grossi said civilian nuclear technologies could transform maritime transport by providing reliable energy without frequent refuelling while also supporting zero-emission power generation for coastal communities and remote islands.
Wright stressed the importance of international cooperation in establishing common frameworks governing liability, security and nuclear safeguards before sea-based reactors can be commercialised.
Wabuyabo represented Kenya on a high-level panel titled “Why Nuclear Maritime Now? Demand, Opportunity, and Strategic Drivers”, alongside global industry leaders, including Amazon Vice President of Global Supply Chain David Cardadeiro and Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization CEO Virginia Crosbie.
The participation signals Kenya’s interest in understanding emerging nuclear applications as it develops its long-term nuclear energy programme.
Wabuyabo said Kenya’s participation was intended to ensure the country’s nuclear ambitions remain anchored on international safety standards and cooperation.
“The delegation’s presence in Washington signals our commitment to developing a civilian nuclear programme tied to the highest global standards of safety and international cooperation,” Wabuyabo said.
For Kenya, maritime nuclear technology could eventually have implications for its expanding port and coastal economy, particularly as the country seeks to increase activity at Mombasa and Lamu and develop its wider Blue Economy.
Floating nuclear power plants could, in future, provide reliable baseload electricity to coastal industrial zones and other areas where conventional energy infrastructure may be difficult or costly to expand.
However, the technology remains at an early stage globally, with countries still working on regulatory, safety, security, liability and waste-management frameworks required for commercial deployment.
Kenya’s participation in the ATLAS initiative therefore provides an opportunity for its institutions to gain early exposure to developments in the sector.
The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, KenGen, Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Shipyards Limited are among institutions that could potentially benefit from understanding the regulatory and technical requirements associated with maritime nuclear applications.
The Washington meeting also comes as Kenya deepens nuclear cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
The Kenyan delegation held discussions on the sidelines of the summit aimed at strengthening technical cooperation with US technology companies, supply-chain partners and academic institutions.
Kenya has been pursuing nuclear power as part of its long-term strategy to increase reliable electricity supply and support industrialisation under Vision 2030.
The government has identified nuclear energy as one of the options for meeting rising electricity demand as the economy expands.
Participation in ATLAS could broaden that conversation by exposing Kenya to possible applications of nuclear technology beyond conventional electricity generation.
For the country, the emerging maritime nuclear frontier offers both opportunities and challenges. While the technology could support clean, reliable power and maritime transport, its adoption would require stringent safety standards, specialised expertise and strong regulatory capacity.
Kenya’s early engagement in the global discussions could therefore help position the country to assess the technology as it develops while ensuring that any future applications are guided by safety, environmental protection and international best practice.
