Project Overview
Project Description
Many African nations are exploring new nuclear, advanced reactors, small modular reactors, and grid‑expansion projects. ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) is seeking fellows to conduct a structured assessment of this energy development landscape.
This research project, conducted by a small group of fellows, will involve the following:
- Mapping national energy plans and identifying government agencies and companies shaping nuclear and clean‑energy decisions.
- Documenting knowledge gaps about standards related to nuclear technology.
- Identifying if countries have outlined plans for nuclear technology development and if they can be accessed.
- Mapping and interviewing stakeholders such as academia and entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) currently working on energy plans.
- Assessing the investment landscape for supporting ventures innovating within the region.
The output will be a region-specific intelligence package – including priority countries, stakeholder maps, and standards and technology needs assessments – designed to guide future ASME engagement, inform standards development, inform support of technology innovation and support potential Africa‑EU collaboration opportunities.
Potential countries of focus include: South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Rwanda, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali.
Impact
This initiative will develop a clear understanding of standards and technology related to nuclear, as well as key stakeholders in each country. This will enable ASMEÂ to a) provide tailored standards-based guidance to streamline processes and b) co-develop a suite of standards that improve safety, reliability, and consistency. Additionally, it aims to help foster innovation related to energy technology by creating pathways to talent and/or capital to support continued technology product development in the region.
