African country plans nuclear deployment in early 2030s
Rwanda has made progress in developing the infrastructure needed for a nuclear power programme, including plans to deploy a small modular reactor in the early 2030s, according to a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
An integrated nuclear infrastructure review (Inir) mission carried out at the request of the Rwandan government assessed the country’s preparations for introducing nuclear power between 2 and 9 March.
The IAEA said Rwanda aims for nuclear energy to supply between 60% and 70% of its electricity mix in the future. The country expects its first small modular reactor to begin operating in the early 2030s.
Nuclear energy is also included in the country’s national energy policy as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported electricity and fossil fuels.
The IAEA mission identified several strengths in Rwanda’s preparations, including strong government commitment, coordination between national institutions and early work on emergency preparedness and response arrangements.
The review team saw progress in drafting a comprehensive nuclear law, strengthening the regulatory framework for nuclear power and conducting surveys to identify potential sites for a planned SMR project.
The IAEA said the mission made recommendations aimed at helping Rwanda move forward with its programme. These include finalising the national report supporting the decision to introduce nuclear power, completing the review of legislation and further developing policies and strategies for the programme.
The IAEA said Rwanda and the agency will now work together to develop an integrated work plan to support the next stages of the country’s nuclear infrastructure development.
Rwandan president Paul Kagame said at the recent Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris that nuclear power will play central role in the country’s long-term development strategy as the country works toward becoming a high-income economy by 2050.
Kagame spoke about Rwanda’s efforts to build the institutions, regulatory systems, and skilled workforce required for a nuclear energy programme, with support from the IAEA and training partnerships with global institutions.
Kagame said small modular reactors are well suited to African countries with smaller power grids and could help the continent expand electricity supply while reducing carbon emissions.
Inir missions are part of the IAEA’s milestones approach, which provides guidance to countries considering nuclear power and assesses readiness across key areas such as regulation, safety, infrastructure and national policy.
