CYIL vol. 15 (2024)

CYIL 15 ȍ2024Ȏ MARINE MIGHT: EXPLORING THE LEGAL COMPLEXITIES SURROUNDING … approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels. 13 As the world’s population continues to grow, energy demand is expected to double in the coming decades, leading to possible increases in carbon emissions and even more catastrophic consequences if current energy practices persist. Based on these dire circumstances, there is a global revolutionary call for energy transitions. In certain regions of the world, like Africa, there is, however, a more pressing need for a greater share of power generation to resolve their energy deficits and attain socio-economic development. For instance, the total installed grid-connected power generation capacity in Africa, serving 1.4 billion people, stands just a little above 240 GW – equivalent to Germany’s power generation for a population of about 84.5 million. 14 Despite its vast market potential, Africa has the lowest investment stake globally due to a lack of electricity and the operation of very costly diesel generators. This cripples job creation, putting most people in the region within the poverty bracket. In navigating its path, Africa must prioritize its unique needs without being compelled to adopt the global trend toward energy transition. It must build a resilient energy infrastructure that supports its socio-economic development while gradually embracing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This approach not only acknowledges Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities but also respects its right to develop at its own pace, progressively ensuring a more equitable transition for all. West Africa lacks the luxury of being picky about the source of energy to deploy in its quest to address its energy poverty and developmental growth. With a rapidly growing population that is projected to triple by 2060, there is an urgent requirement for different levels of innovative energy solutions capable of guaranteeing sustained growth in energy supply. 15 Historically, industrialized economies have subscribed to nuclear power to meet their energy demands and attain socio-economic development. In a similar vein, there is an immense potential for developing economies to harness nuclear power as a clean baseload source of energy to meet their large energy deficits while also minimizing carbon emissions. Perceived insecurity and armed conflicts, as well as the possibility for extremists to access explosive materials, have led some critics to clamor against nuclear implementation in West Africa. However, security instability is a global issue. Several regions around the world with nuclear energy programs are faced with ongoing crises and wars. Yet, they still manage their nuclear programs effectively. 16 Developed economies with highly sophisticated nuclear programs have also suffered unavoidable nuclear accidents and lapses but have not relented in their nuclear electrification. 17 By adopting rigorous security measures and compliance with international regulations, West African nations can safely and effectively deploy nuclear 13 accessed 5 June 2024. 14 Africa Finance Corporation, ‘State of Africa Infrastructure Report 2024’ (AFC) < https://s3.eu-central-1. amazonaws.com/afc-assets/afc/AFC-State-of-Africas-Infrastructure-2024.pdf > accessed 11 June 2024. 15 The World Bank, ‘Africa’s Population Boom: Will It Mean Disaster or Economic and Human Development Gains? The World Bank’ (2015) < http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/publication/africas-demographic transition > accessed 11 June 2024. 16 For instance, Ukraine and Israel with nuclear power are currently at war yet have operated their nuclear facilities under stringent security measures. Similarly, India and Pakistan, despite facing terrorism, border conflicts, and internal insurgencies, have substantial and expanding nuclear energy programme. 17 Instances are the Fukushima Daiichi accident in Japan, Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, and the Three Mile Island in the USA.

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