Welcome to the fifth edition of the Enugex Newsletter!

In this edition, we shine a spotlight on a critical enabler of Africa’s nuclear energy journey: research capability. As the continent eyes a sustainable and secure energy future, the role of local research institutions, innovation hubs, and academic partnerships has never been more important.

We’re also featuring a country spotlight on Algeria — a nation that has made significant strides in nuclear research and is positioning itself as a regional leader in nuclear science and infrastructure.

Whether you're an energy policymaker, investor, academic, or enthusiast, this edition will give you deeper insights into how research drives readiness and how Algeria's model might offer lessons for other African countries.

Building Research Capability for Nuclear in Africa

To unlock the full potential of nuclear energy in Africa, research isn't optional — it's essential. Across the continent, countries are making early moves to develop the scientific infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to support a safe and self-sustaining nuclear future.

🌍 Why Research Matters

Research capability underpins every stage of the nuclear journey — from feasibility studies and site selection to reactor design, safety analysis, waste management, and policy formulation. Without strong local research, countries risk overreliance on external expertise and delayed timelines.

Where Progress is Happening

• 🇿🇦 South Africa: Home to the iThemba LABS and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), the country continues to lead in nuclear R&D and human capital development.

• 🇪🇬 Egypt: With its upcoming El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, Egypt has ramped up its investment in research centers and technical training programs through partnerships with Russian and international bodies.

• 🇩🇿 Algeria: Boasts two operational research reactors (Es-Salam and NUR) and is training hundreds of engineers and scientists at the COMENA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique).

• 🇳🇬 Nigeria: Through the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and collaborations with universities, the country is building a foundation for nuclear research, especially in medicine and energy.

• 🇰🇪 Kenya: Early-stage development is underway, with strategic focus on regulatory research and workforce development through the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).

The Talent Challenge

One of the biggest hurdles is human capital. Africa needs more nuclear scientists, engineers, regulators, and safety experts — and fast. Strategic partnerships with countries like Russia, China, France, and South Korea are filling some gaps, but long-term success depends on local knowledge production.

Enugex POV: What's Needed

• 📚 Pan-African research hubs that facilitate shared innovation and knowledge exchange

• 🤝 Public-private-academic partnerships to accelerate local capacity

• 🛰️ Investment in simulation labs, testing facilities, and data infrastructure

• 🎓 Scholarships and exchange programs to upskill the next generation

Africa has the ambition — now it's time to invest in the science that will power its nuclear future.

Spotlight on Algeria 🇩🇿 

Algeria has built a quiet but powerful foundation in nuclear science, ranking #4 out of 54 African nations on the Enugex SMR Adoption Scoreboard. With two operational research reactors and growing domestic expertise, the country is increasingly positioned as a regional R&D hub — and a possible future SMR candidate, especially as it navigates rising energy demand and a push for diversification.

Energy Snapshot

• Estimated Energy Supply: 30,000 GWh

• On-Grid Supply: 27,000 GWh — mostly gas-powered

• Off-Grid Supply: 3,000 GWh — led by emerging solar and hybrid pilots

• Unmet Demand: 1,500 GWh — concentrated in remote southern provinces

🔎 Despite its natural gas wealth, Algeria faces growing pressure to diversify. The grid is relatively stable but localized outages persist. Meanwhile, off-grid energy access is expanding, supported by both public and private sector initiatives in solar microgrids and decentralized systems.

Research Capability as a Strategic Asset

Algeria operates two nuclear research reactors:

• Es-Salam (15 MW) at Ain Oussera

• NUR (1 MW) in Algiers, at the Draria Nuclear Research Center

These facilities are used for radioisotope production, reactor physics and material research, agricultural innovation, medical and industrial applications, and workforce training in nuclear engineering

The Algerian Atomic Energy Commission (COMENA) oversees these activities, collaborating with international partners and guiding the country’s slow but steady progression toward nuclear readiness.

Energy Institutions and Economics

• Key Players: Sonatrach, Sonelgaz

• 2024 Energy Tariff: $40–$60/MWh

• Estimated Nuclear Budget: $1B–$3B

• Energy Mix: ~60% Gas, ~20% Oil, ~10% Solar, ~10% Hydro

📈 Even with abundant hydrocarbons, transmission losses and unmet demand create an opportunity for innovation. Nuclear — especially in the form of SMRs for off-grid integration — could play a strategic role in future-proofing Algeria’s energy portfolio.

🎓 Enugex Takeaway: Algeria isn’t chasing headlines — it’s building capability. With the institutional depth, reactor experience, and energy infrastructure stress points, it has the ingredients to lead North Africa’s nuclear future.

🔋 As off-grid needs grow and hydrocarbons plateau, Algeria’s nuclear R&D backbone may quietly become its most powerful energy asset.

In the World Nuclear Energy news…

Enugex Training for Africa’s Energy Leaders

Enugex offers tailored training programs for public and private sector leaders across Africa, focusing on SMR technology, energy market strategy, and nuclear policy fundamentals. Our sessions are designed to build local capacity, empower decision-making, and accelerate clean energy adoption through practical, context-specific knowledge.

Check out our teaser below!

Be in Touch with Enugex

Contact one of our Partners – Mitch Kurylowicz ([email protected]) – if:

• You’re looking for training services to enhance your team’s capabilities in the energy sector.

• You need expert brokerage support for government energy projects.

• You’re seeking assistance with PPAs.

• You need insights and data on SMR readiness in specific African markets.

• You’re seeking guidance on navigating regulatory frameworks for energy projects.

• You want to discuss investment opportunities in Africa’s energy infrastructure.

We’d love to hear from you and discuss how we can help you be part of Africa’s energy future.