The Rwandan government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American company Nano Nuclear Energy for the construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as announced by the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB).
A Test Reactor “in the Coming Years”
SMRs, smaller and simpler to build than conventional power plants, are reactors manufactured in series in a factory and then transported to their operating site.
The purpose of this MoU “is to initiate cooperation between the two parties to facilitate the introduction of SMRs and microreactors,” according to a statement from the RAEB.
During a visit to Rwanda, Nano Nuclear Energy CEO James Walker stated that the construction of a test reactor would take place “in the coming years.”
He further expressed confidence in the project, stating, “We have an excellent foundation to build upon. We see a very clear path towards a highly developed civil nuclear program in Rwanda,” as quoted in the statement.
Rwanda’s Commitment to SMR Development
The Director of the RAEB, Fidele Ndahayo, welcomed the MoU, stating that “SMR technologies are currently under development and Rwanda wishes to be part of the development process.”
Rwanda’s Energy Mix and Nuclear Ambitions
Rwanda, a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region with a population of approximately 13 million, generates more than half of its electricity (51%) from fossil fuels, followed by hydropower (43.9%) and solar (4.2%).
In September 2023, Kigali authorities signed an agreement with the German-Canadian startup Dual Fluid Energy to build an “experimental” civil nuclear reactor.
Rwanda also signed an agreement in 2019 to build nuclear power plants in collaboration with the Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency Rosatom, which sparked strong opposition due to safety concerns.
South Africa: Africa’s Sole Nuclear Power Producer
South Africa remains the only country on the continent with a civil nuclear program, with two reactors in operation for over 30 years.