Tanzania unveils plans to use uranium in generating electricity, energy

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania continues with plans to use uranium minerals to generate nuclear electricity, nuclear technology has already began to be applied in various sectors in the country, particularly in hospitals for medical diagnosis and cancer treatment.

The Co-Chairperson of the Technical Committee on Preparations for Nuclear Power Development, Dr Leonid Nkuba revealed this when speaking in an interview during the Jambo Tanzania programme aired on TBC1 earlier on Friday noting that the technology is also used in other areas, including airports, the construction sector and at ports.

Additionally, he also said that it is used in other areas for safety purposes, inspection and quality control operations.

“But even at lower levels of investigation, such as in X-ray machines, the technology has also proven useful there. In other areas like construction, for example, measuring road compaction during construction we use that technology as well,” the chairman said.

ALSO READ: Tanzania values the contribution of Ahmadiyya Muslims in humanitarian aids

Dr Nkuba further outlined ongoing steps being implemented by the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) in preparations for the development of nuclear power in the country and said that within the next seven years, at least one nuclear power plant is expected to be constructed as part of the long-term energy strategy.

He added that other key measures include the establishment of an independent regulatory authority to oversee nuclear activities, as well as the ratification of international agreements to ensure safety, security and compliance with global standards in the use of nuclear technology.

In September last year, Tanzania told the globe that it has developed a national roadmap to integrate nuclear energy into its long-term electricity strategy.

The statement was made during the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the 16th of September 2025 by Prof. Carolyne Nombo, who was Tanzania’s head of delegation to the meeting where she outlined Tanzania’s deliberate steps toward establishing a robust nuclear energy sector.